Solar panels are the key to unlocking the power and boundless potential of the suns energy. But how do these panels which look like something from science fiction really come to be? Lets go back to the simple beginnings of sand and see how they become clean electricity that you can use for your house.
The Basis: Lets begin with silicon.
The second most common element on Earth and a key part of solar cells silicon is where our story starts. To extract pure silicon silica sand must first go through a number of procedures. After that this silicon is refined even more and melted at extremely high temperatures to create ingots.
Wafers and doping: Making the Building Blocks.
Subsequently these silicon ingots are cut into extraordinarily thin wafers which serve as the foundation for solar cells. The next step involves doping these wafers which involves adding very small amounts of phosphorus or boron. The silicon is able to convert sunlight into electricity as a result of the electric field this produces inside it.
Making solar cells is the core of the panel.
To increase light absorption and electrical conductivity different chemicals are subsequently applied to the doped silicon wafers. Consider these wafers as tiny power plants that are just ready to be turned on.
Wiring and Assembly for Joining the Dots.
A solar cell is created by electrically connecting several treated wafers in series. To collect the electricity generated thin lines are etched onto the surface. Then for protection these cells are layered between layers of tempered glass and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) a unique transparent substance.
Encapsulation: Concluding the Conversation.
After applying pressure and heat to the entire assembly a strong and weatherproof solar panel is produced. The electrical connections are finally housed in a junction box that is fastened to the back along with a metal frame for mounting and support.
Building a Solar System from Many One.
After that separate solar panels are assembled to create a solar array which is able to produce a sizable quantity of electricity. These arrays can be incorporated into building materials placed on rooftops or in sizable solar farms.
Using the Suns Power is the Last Step.
For our houses and businesses to utilize the electricity produced by the solar panels it must be converted. The direct current (DC) generated by the panels is converted into usable alternating current (AC) by an inverter. The next time you see a solar panel take a moment to appreciate the interesting journey that got there. Solar panels are a monument to human ingenuity and our capacity to harness the power of the sun just as the plentiful sand on our beaches and the clean energy that powers your home do!
