How are solar panels produced?

Solar panels have become increasingly popular as a source of renewable energy in the United Kingdom. They are used to convert sunlight into electricity and can be installed on rooftops or other suitable locations. But how are these solar panels produced? In this article, we will explore the manufacturing process of solar panels in the United Kingdom.

The production of solar panels involves several steps, including the sourcing of raw materials, the manufacturing of solar cells, the assembly of the solar panels, and the testing of the final product. Let’s look at each of these steps in more detail.

Sourcing of Raw Materials

The first step in the production of solar panels is the sourcing of raw materials. The main materials used in the production of solar panels are silicon, glass, and aluminum. Silicon is the key ingredient in solar cells, and it is extracted from sand. Glass is used as the cover of the solar panel, and aluminum is used for the frame.

The silicon used in solar panels is purified to remove impurities such as boron and phosphorus. This process involves heating the silicon to a high temperature and then adding a chemical element to remove the impurities. The purified silicon is then formed into ingots, which are sliced into thin wafers.

Manufacturing of Solar Cells

The next step in the production of solar panels is the manufacturing of solar cells. Solar cells are made up of layers of silicon and other materials that can absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. The silicon wafers are coated with a thin layer of phosphorus, which creates a negative charge on one side of the wafer.

Next, a layer of boron is added to the other side of the wafer, creating a positive charge. When sunlight hits the silicon wafer, it creates an electric current between the positive and negative charges, generating electricity.

Assembly of Solar Panels

The solar cells are then assembled into solar panels. The solar cells are connected together with conductive wire, and a layer of glass is placed over the top to protect them from the elements. The glass is sealed to the frame using a special adhesive.

The frame is made of aluminum and is designed to hold the solar panel in place. The frame also provides a way to mount the solar panel on a rooftop or other suitable location.

Testing of the Final Product

The final step in the production of solar panels is the testing of the final product. The solar panels are tested to ensure that they are producing the amount of electricity that they are supposed to. This involves measuring the voltage and current of the solar panel under different light conditions.

If the solar panel is not producing the expected amount of electricity, it is either repaired or discarded. Solar panels that pass the testing process are then packaged and shipped to customers.

In conclusion, the production of solar panels in the United Kingdom involves several steps, including the sourcing of raw materials, the manufacturing of solar cells, the assembly of the solar panels, and the testing of the final product. The use of solar panels as a source of renewable energy is becoming increasingly popular in the United Kingdom, and the production of these panels is an important part of the renewable energy industry.