Solar panels have gained popularity in the United Kingdom in recent years, as a source of renewable energy. They use sunlight to generate electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. The popularity of solar panels has led to an increased interest in the materials used to manufacture them. This article explores the materials used to make solar panels in the United Kingdom.
Silicon
The main material used in solar panel production is silicon. This is because silicon is a semiconductor, and it can conduct electricity when exposed to sunlight. The silicon used in solar panel production is mostly derived from sand. The sand is purified and melted at high temperatures to produce pure silicon. The pure silicon is then cut into thin wafers and doped with impurities to create a positive and negative charge. The positive and negative charges create an electric field, which generates electricity when exposed to sunlight.
Metal Contacts
Metal contacts are used to connect the solar cells in the solar panel. The metal contacts are usually made of silver or copper. These metals are used because they are good conductors of electricity and are resistant to corrosion. The metal contacts are placed on the surface of the solar cells, and they allow the electricity generated by the solar cells to be collected and used.
Glass
Glass is used as the cover for the solar panel. It is used because it is transparent, and it allows sunlight to pass through to the solar cells. The glass used in solar panels is usually tempered, which means that it is heat-treated to make it more durable. Tempered glass is also resistant to shattering, which makes it an ideal material for solar panels.
Backsheet
The backsheet is the layer that covers the back of the solar panel. It is used to protect the solar cells from moisture and other environmental factors. The backsheet is usually made of a polymer material called ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). EVA is used because it is flexible, lightweight, and can withstand high temperatures.
Frame
The frame is used to hold the solar panel together. It is usually made of aluminum because it is lightweight and resistant to corrosion. The frame is used to protect the solar panel from damage, and it also provides a way to mount the solar panel on a roof or other structure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, solar panels are made using a variety of materials. The main material used is silicon, which is a semiconductor that can conduct electricity when exposed to sunlight. Metal contacts are used to connect the solar cells, and glass is used as the cover for the solar panel. The backsheet is used to protect the solar cells from moisture and other environmental factors, and the frame is used to hold the solar panel together. With the increased interest in renewable energy, the materials used to make solar panels will continue to evolve and improve, making them even more efficient and effective in generating electricity.
Leave a Reply