The process of making a solar panel is very delicate, the reason why advances in this technology came only recently with the advancement of knowledge in semiconductors and photovoltaic design – which allowed the creation of more efficient and more affordable solar cells. Today, there are two main ways of how to build solar panels, resulting to two main types of solar panels: crystalline silicon solar panels and amorphous silicon solar panels.
Crystalline silicon and amorphous silicon are actually the materials used to build solar panels. The traditional way of making solar panels makes use of the former. It involves cutting the crystalline silicon into small disks less than one centimetre thick. The wafer-like disks then undergo polishing and treating to repair any damages caused by the cutting process. After they are polished, metal conductors and dopants (a material which can alter the electric charge of a semiconductor) are spread on top of each disk. They are then aligned in a grid-like matrix on the upper solar panel surface.
After processing, a thin protective glass is bonded to the top of the solar cells for protection. The almost panel it then attached to a substrate using a thermally conductive cement which prevents overheating. Overheating causes solar panels to become less efficient. Another way of insulating crystalline solar panels is by using solar panel mounts which elevate the solar panels therefore allowing air to flow underneath them.
Solar Panel Materials -
The other material – amorphous silicon, or A-si – used to build solar panels involves a more complex but more cost efficient process. The end products are more powerful, more efficient and have different structures compared to traditional panels. They are also much thinner and much lighter but more durable and easier to transport than the crystalline ones. Making A-si solar cells involves a continuous roll-to-roll process of vapor-depositing multiples layers of silicon alloys with each layer specializing in absorbing a specific part of the light spectrum. Some amorphous silicon panels are incorporated with shade-resistant technology, which means that even if there is no direct sunlight, the panels can still generate electricity.
Self Made Solar Panels -
Although it may seem quite difficult, it is possible to build solar panels on your own. What you won’t be able to build on your own, however, are the solar cells. Making the cells require certain types of advanced equipments and certain environmental conditions. The first step of how to build solar panels on your own is looking for the right materials. You can use the so-called “broken” solar cells which look broken because of their random shapes but actually still work. These are usually made of crystalline silicon. You can also use surplus cells which are usually amorphous silicon. They are usually better, producing more than a volt.
Other materials you will need to build solar panels are clear glass sheets, solders, screwdrivers, wires, alligator clips, tapes, rechargeable batteries, voltage multipliers, deep boxes (for enclosure), AC inverters and other small things. All the materials can be bought many suppliers. The building process involves cutting (the “broken” cells), connecting the cells (to increase the power output), soldering wires, arranging the cells and covering them with the glass. The end result is a ragged-looking but functional panel. You can use the home-made panels to charge batteries and power radios, televisions and other small appliances.
