Solar Cell Manufacturing | Solar Panel Manufacturing

The following is the process for manufacturing a solar cell.

• A series of controls ensure that silicon feedstock meets the strict purity requirements necessary to produce solar grade silicon ingots.
  
  
• The silicon is melted down in a GT Solar Directional Solidification System (DSS) furnace.
  
  
• A PLC program controls the entire process of melting, directional solidification, and cooling to optimize the process based on the type of silicon feedstock and the production requirements.
  
  
• The electric furnace combined with the PLC controls ensures efficient production and minimizes environmental impact.
  
  
• A commercial HCT saw with high-speed wires and SiC slurry makes precision cuts to slice them into 16 bricks according to the specified cross section.
  
  
• 8 bricks at a time are sliced into extremely thin wafers that are ready for solar cell production. 8 bricks can yield approximately 3,000 wafers.
  
  
• The wafers then move on to the automated production line. Etching and texturing of wafers removes any saw damage and creates a surface that reduces solar reflection in order to capture as much light as possible.
  
  
• A high temperature phosphorus diffusion process creates the p/n junction necessary to produce photovoltaic electricity.
  
  
• The solar cells are then coated with an anti-reflective coating to enhance their light capturing capability.
  
  
• Finally, a state-of-the-art automated printing line applies the silver bus strips and coats the backside with aluminum.

Combined with quality assurance testing, this manufacturing process results in a quality yet cost-effective solar cell.