What is a solar panel?
What is the manufacturing process about solar panels?
Solar panels are produced in large, highly-automated factories using advanced manufacturing techniques.Our company is a professional solar panel mounting manufacturer.
There are usually two distinct phases: producing solar cells and assembling a complete solar panel. Let’s take a closer look at each stage:
Solar cell production
Most solar cells are made of crystalline silicon. Here’s what the production process usually looks like:
First, silicon is melted down, mixed with either gallium or boron, and then reformed into a silicon ingot.Next, the ingots are cut by lasers into thin sheets called silicon wafers, after which an anti-reflective coating is applied.The silicon wafers are cut into individual solar cells and are then ready for placement inside solar panels.
The exact production process will vary depending on the type of solar cell being manufactured. Monocrystalline solar cells are made from one solid silicon crystal, while polycrystalline solar cells are made of many tiny, square-shaped crystals.
The vast majority of solar cells – including those used in locally-sold panels – are produced mainly in Europe and Asia, like china.
Solar panel assembly
Solar panel assembly combines solar cells with all other solar panel parts to create the final product.
The desired number of solar cells are soldered together. Next, the protective layers are added around the cells. The glass cover is attached on top, the backsheet is secured underneath, and the metal frame is placed around the entire panel. Finally, a junction box is added to the panel to protect the electrical wires from damage. A microinverter will also be attached if it’s an AC solar panel.
Are solar panels eco-friendly and sustainable?
Yes, they are! Solar panels are considered a very green and sustainable source of energy. Here’s why:
They generate clean, renewable power: Solar panels are remarkable in their ability to generate clean, renewable power directly from sunlight. They do not require any fuel or produce harmful emissions during operation, making them an environmentally friendly solution for producing electricity. The process of converting sunlight into electricity is achieved through the photovoltaic effect, which occurs within the solar cells of the panels.
When sunlight strikes the solar cells, it excites electrons within the material, causing them to move and generate an electric current. This current is then captured and converted into usable electricity that can power homes, businesses, and other facilities. Because solar panels rely solely on sunlight, they do not emit any pollutants or greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, during their operation.
By using solar panels, we can significantly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, which are major contributors to climate change and air pollution. The widespread adoption of solar energy helps to mitigate the negative effects of burning coal, oil, and natural gas, which release large amounts of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. This reduction in emissions leads to cleaner air and a healthier environment for both people and wildlife.
Furthermore, solar panels do not produce any waste products during their operation, unlike conventional power plants that often generate toxic waste and require extensive cleanup and disposal processes. This means that solar energy is not only a clean source of power but also a sustainable choice that contributes to a healthier planet and a more secure energy future.
In summary, solar panels represent a powerful tool in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. By harnessing the abundant and renewable resource of sunlight, solar panels provide a clean and sustainable way to generate electricity, helping to reduce our carbon footprint and promote a healthier, more resilient world.
Made with abundant materials: Solar panels are constructed using materials that are abundant on Earth, ensuring a sustainable supply chain for the manufacturing process. The primary component of solar cells is silicon, which is the second most common element on the planet, after oxygen. Silicon is derived from sand, a readily available resource, making it an ideal material for solar cell production.
The solar cells themselves are made from crystalline silicon, which can be either monocrystalline or polycrystalline. Monocrystalline cells are created from a single crystal of silicon and are known for their higher efficiency, while polycrystalline cells are made from multiple crystals and offer a good balance between efficiency and cost. Regardless of the type, silicon’s abundance ensures that there is no shortage of raw material for solar cell production.
The glass cover that protects the front of the solar panel is also made primarily from silicon, specifically from silica, which is the main component of sand. This glass cover is essential for protecting the solar cells from the elements and ensuring the panel’s durability and longevity. The glass is often treated to be extra clear and transparent, allowing as much sunlight as possible to reach the solar cells.
Another key component of a solar panel is the aluminum frame, which provides structural support and helps secure the panel. Aluminum is a highly abundant metal, ranking third in terms of elemental abundance in the Earth’s crust. It is lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant, making it an excellent choice for the frame. The frame not only adds to the structural integrity of the solar panel but also facilitates easy installation and maintenance.
The use of abundant materials like silicon and aluminum in solar panel construction ensures that the production of these panels can continue to grow without depleting natural resources. This sustainability aspect is crucial for the long-term viability of solar energy as a renewable power source. The widespread availability of these materials also helps keep the cost of solar panels affordable, making solar energy accessible to a broader range of consumers and promoting its adoption as a clean and sustainable energy solution.
They last a long time: Sustainable living means that we avoid using disposable items, AKA things that we use for a very short time before throwing them away. Solar panels meet these criteria – they can last up to 30 years without requiring maintenance or replacement
Recycling programs are growing: Most solar panels retired today are sent to landfills, and many – including Solar Reviews – are urgently calling for more solar panel recycling programs.
Far superior to fossil fuels: Unfortunately, most of the power we consume today comes from fossil fuels, creating air pollution and contributing to climate change. Clean and renewable solar energy is a much better alternative, which is why governments, utility companies, and homeowners are all making the switch.
Are solar panels right for your home?
Now we know how solar panels are made but do they actually work? Yes! Solar panels are designed to generate electricity; a properly designed system can produce enough power to greatly reduce your electricity bills. In some cases, this means thousands of dollars in savings every year.
Not only that, but solar panels are an excellent source of environmentally-friendly energy. Who doesn’t want to lower their electricity bills and run their home on clean power?
