Shining Light on Solar Cells - Chapter 6.1: How are solar panels made? (From silicon wafers to solar panels)

We continue exploring the manufacturing process of solar cells by learning phases 3 and 4, which is to turn silicon wafer into solar cells, and then solar cells into solar panels.

Here is a summary of the entire manufacturing process of solar panels:

Phase 1: Purify Quartz in to Solar grade silicon	Carbothermic reduction	Reduce SiO₂ into S
	Siemens process	Purify metallurgical grade Si in to solar grade Si
Phase 2: Solar grade Si in to Si wafers	CZochralski process	To produce p-doped monocrstalline Si
	Bridgman process	To produce p-doped polycrystalline Si
	Wire Saw	Slice Si ingots in to wafers
Phase 3: Si wafer in to Si cell	Water surface processing	Remove damaged surface and reduce reflectivity
	Quartz furnace	N-doped p wafer
	Antireflective coating
	Screen printing	To produce top and bottom metal contacts, as well as back surface field
	Firing	Allow diffusion of front and back contacts to contact with the emitter and absorber layer, respectively
Phase 4: Si solar cell in to solar panel	Tabbing	Electrically connect solar cells
	Lamination	To adhere the entire solar panel stack
	Post-lamination	Al frame, Silicon gasket , junction box added

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:

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ChristopherTan star_borderFollow

I'm an R&D Mechanical Engineer from Keysight Technologies. I design mechanical components that facilitate over-the-air testing equipment. I also have a strong background in photovoltaics. I love creating STEM-related content to inspire and encourage people to pursue STEM, as well as to provide career advice to fresh grads who are looking for their first job

Shining Light on Solar Cells - Chapter 6.1: How are solar panels made? (From silicon wafers to solar panels)

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Further reference materials that I highly recommend:

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