Shining Light on Solar Cells - Chapter 6.0: How are solar panels made? (From quartz to silicon wafers)

We have been spending our time learning about how solar cells work. Nevertheless, one equally important knowledge is to know how they are made. A good manufacturing process will ensure higher efficiency and lower cost solar cells. The manufacturing process of solar panels can be divided into four main phases. In chapter 6.0, we will discuss phases 1 and 2. In chapter 6.1, we will discuss phases 3 and 4.

Further reference materials that I highly recommend:

Luque, A. and Hegedus, S. (2003). Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 978-0-471-49196-5.

Other parts in this series:

• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2.0: Semiconductor Physics (Band Diagram, Free Carriers)
  • Chapter 2.1: Semiconductor Physics (Doping)
  • Chapter 2.2: Semiconductor Physics (Fermi-Energy Level)
• Chapter 3.0: PN Junction diode (Drift and Diffusion)
• Chapter 3.1: PN Junction diode (Forward & Reverse Bias, IV Curve)
• Chapter 4: Photons
• Chapter 5.0: How do Solar Cells Work? (Working Principle, IV Curve, Photovoltaic Parameters, Solar Cell Datasheet)
• Chapter 5.1: How do Solar Cells Work? (Typical Structure, Shockley-Queisser Limit)