How Are Solar Panels Made

How Are Solar Panels Made

PV Panels

How are solar panels made? Most of the solar panels you see (or own yourself) are photovoltaic (PV) panels. There are several types of PV panels, but it’s essentially the same principle with any. Each panel is made of conductive cells. Light particles (photons) knock electrons loose from the cell’s atoms. This process creates an electric current to harvest the sun’s energy.

Creating the cells

It all starts with silicon crystals. The silicon metal needs to be mined then purified in an electric furnace. Pure cylinders, or ingots of silicon are then thinly sliced into rectangles that will fit a solar panel perfectly. The silicon is treated with both boron and phosphorus, resulting in a positive and negative charged semiconductors. Wires are then connected, creating a path for the electricity to power your home.  

At this point, the cells are coated with an anti-reflective substance so that sunlight can be absorbed, rather than reflected, as much as possible.

Creating the panel

The cells need to be sealed in a rubber or vinyl substance before final attachment to a panel. After sealing, the cells are transferred into an aluminum frame. From there, a layer of glass or plastic is added on top and the solar panel is complete.

Although thousands work in solar panel manufacturing, a lot of the work is done by automated robots. The increase of technology, allowing robots to help create solar panels, is a large contributor to why solar panel prices have decreased so much in the past five years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are photovoltaic (PV) panels made of?

PV panels are made of conductive cells that use silicon crystals. These cells convert sunlight into electricity by using photons to knock electrons loose, creating an electric current.

How is silicon used in making solar panels?

Silicon is mined, purified, and then sliced into thin rectangles for use in solar panels. It is treated with boron and phosphorus to create positive and negative charged semiconductors, which are essential for generating electricity.

What is the process of creating a solar panel?

After silicon cells are treated and coated, they are sealed in rubber or vinyl and placed into an aluminum frame. A layer of glass or plastic is added on top to complete the panel.

How has technology impacted the production of solar panels?

Advances in technology, especially the use of automated robots, have significantly lowered solar panel prices by increasing manufacturing efficiency and reducing production costs.