What are solar panels made out of?

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are an increasingly popular way of generating clean, renewable energy. As the UK government aims to meet its target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, more and more homes and businesses are turning to solar power as a sustainable energy source. But what exactly are solar panels made out of?

The basic component of a solar panel is a solar cell, which is a device that converts sunlight into electricity. Solar cells are made from a variety of materials, the most common of which is silicon. Silicon solar cells are currently the most widely used, accounting for around 90% of the global market.

Silicon is a versatile and abundant element that is widely available in nature. It is a semiconductor, which means that it can conduct electricity under certain conditions. Solar cells made from silicon are usually classified as either monocrystalline or polycrystalline.

Monocrystalline solar cells are made from a single crystal of silicon that is grown in a controlled environment. This process produces high-quality, efficient solar cells that are more expensive than polycrystalline cells. Polycrystalline solar cells, on the other hand, are made from multiple crystals of silicon that are melted together. This process is less expensive than producing monocrystalline cells, but the resulting cells are slightly less efficient.

In addition to silicon, there are other materials used to create solar cells, such as cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). CdTe cells are cheaper to produce than silicon cells and have a lower carbon footprint, but they are less efficient. CIGS cells are also less efficient than silicon cells, but they are more flexible and can be used on curved surfaces.

Once the solar cells have been made, they are assembled into a solar panel. The solar panel is made up of a number of individual solar cells, which are connected together and covered with a layer of protective material. The protective layer is usually made from glass or a polymer material such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).

The glass or polymer layer serves two purposes: it protects the solar cells from damage and it allows sunlight to pass through to the cells. The protective layer is usually coated with an anti-reflective material to reduce the amount of sunlight that is reflected away from the cells.

The final component of a solar panel is the frame. The frame is made from aluminium or another lightweight, durable material and holds the solar cells and protective layer in place. The frame also provides a mounting point for the panel, allowing it to be fixed to a roof or other surface.

In summary, solar panels are made from a combination of materials including silicon, cadmium telluride, and copper indium gallium selenide. The solar cells themselves are usually made from silicon and are assembled into a panel with a protective layer made from glass or polymer. The frame of the panel is made from aluminium or another lightweight, durable material. As the UK continues to move towards a low-carbon future, solar panels will play an increasingly important role in generating clean, renewable energy.