What Does the Solar Panel Manufacturing Process Actually Look Like?

The solar industry has a bright future ahead. The oldest solar panels are proving their longevity is well worth the investment. A panel runs at 82.5% efficiency after 25 years, which is still a lot of energy harnessed!

But what does it take to make that happen? Well, the life cycle might start and finish with the sun.

But today, we’re going to look at the start of the life of a solar panel. Let’s see how the solar panel manufacturing process looks.

Making Different Types of Solar Panels

When manufacturing solar panels, a solar panel company will first have to decide on the cell type. There are two main types: crystalline and thin-film cells.

Crystalline silicon is by far the most common form of solar energy conversion today. It’s also the cheapest as well.

Yet, its efficiency isn’t as high as some people would like. That’s because it requires less processing than other forms of solar technology.

Thin-film solar cells use an amorphous or polycrystalline material. This material sits on glass substrates to create a flexible photovoltaic device.

In doing so, the manufacturing process allows for more efficient production at lower costs. The downside is that this method doesn’t allow for large-scale production.

What Goes Into Making the Best Solar Panels?

The best solar panels comprise monocrystalline silicon wafers. These are grown using Czochralski crystal growth techniques. They’re then cut into individual pieces called dice.

Each die contains one single crystal. A typical size for these crystals can range anywhere between 1 cm x 1cm to 3 meters long.

After dicing, each piece must undergo several steps before becoming ready for installation. A high-quality solar panel will prove itself to be durable. It will also be efficient per square meter and compatible with many other appliances.

These include inverters, storage batteries, and smart tech. Some solar panels even take the shape of tiled roofs.

From Factory to Installation

From the factory, the panels make their way to solar installers. These installers put them together onto frames and mount them onto rooftops. Once installed, the panels begin producing electricity immediately.

Many companies offer free financing options for solar installation. That way, customers don’t need to worry about paying upfront.

Suppose you’d prefer not to go through the hassle of installing your system. There are plenty of third-party contractors who specialize in doing exactly that.

Solar Panel Manufacturing Has a Bright Future

So now we know how solar panel manufacturing works and where the panels originated. Now you can look at saving both money and the planet knowing the effort that goes into saving the planet!

And finally, remember to make sure you do lots of research on your local solar panel providers. Get at least three quotes not only for the price but also to make sure you’re finding a solar panel installer you can trust!

Check out our other articles on solar energy to help you choose the right panels for your home!