How do photovoltaic panels work?

The creation of photovoltaic panels centers around turning crystalline silicon into solar cells. These cells are part of large solar projects worldwide. Learning about the solar cell manufacturing process shows how we’ve advanced from the first commercial solar panel to today’s advanced modules. These modules power our homes and cities.

What is a photovoltaic module?

For real-world applications, photovoltaic modules are fabricated by electrically connecting typically 36 to 72 solar cells together in a so-called PV module. A PV module (or panel) is an assembly of solar cells in a sealed, weather-proof packaging and is the fundamental building block of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

How is a PV module manufactured?

The schematic process flow for the fabrication of a PV module is shown in Fig. 2. In the interconnection step, solar cells in one column of the PV module are soldered either manually or by a tabber and stringer machine. These strings are typically inspected by electroluminescence imaging to identify defects early on in the production process.

How to manufacture a solar panel?

Manufacturing a solar panel includes both automation processes and manual work. The automation part is important in order to achieve higher accuracy and quality. Also, the manufacturing plant needs to be clean and the process needs to be fast in order to achieve the production target and market demand.

How many solar cells are in a photovoltaic module?

An individual solar cell is fragile and can only generate limited output power. For real-world applications, photovoltaic modules are fabricated by electrically connecting typically 36 to 72 solar cells together in a so-called PV module.

Why should you learn photovoltaic module production process?

By understanding the photovoltaic module production process and to learn which machines are involved in the production of a module, gives you the knowledge to understand the points that are delicate and fundamental for the production helping you in the choice of a reliable and high-quality product.