Solar Cell Types And Manufacturing Changes - Shining A Light On What's Going On
There are many varieties of solar cell types on the market. If you are looking to buy solar cells, then you need to know how to find the right solar cell for your needs.
Solar Power Cells Come In All Shapes And Sizes
If you're in the market for a solar energy solution, there's a bewildering array of solar cells out there to consider, such as:
- Plastic solar cells,
- Indoor solar cells, and
- Solar cell shingles
Most of these solar cells don't actually change how a solar cell works (we'll cover a few exceptions to this later on in the article), but alter how the cells are made.
The Most Common Solar Cell Type Is The Doped Silicon Solar Cell
It's the solar cell that's most commonly used is a doped silicon solar cell where boron or phosphorous is used to disrupt the crystalline structure of silicon wafers.
Doped silicon solar cell types require production techniques that are broadly analogous to computer chips.
- First, they're rolled out as single crystal wafers.
- Then, the doping agent is added.
- They are then sandwiched together.
- The top of the cell is negatively charged (has an extra electron in each grid), and
- The bottom of the cell is positively charged (is missing an electron in each grid).
- The solar cells are then coated with an anti-reflective substance so that they don't act like mirrors.
The Top 3 Solar Cell Manufacturing Trends: Faster, Cheaper, Lighter
Changes in manufacturing techniques that make different solar cell types are trying to do one of three different things.
Solar cell manufacturers are always working to improve the solar cell by:
- Trying to improve the efficiency of the solar cell, or
- Trying to make the solar cell cheaper to produce, or
- Trying to make the solar cell lighter and more generally resistant to outdoor use and abuse.
Here's to finding a way to bring more solar power into your family!
P.S. Here's a few more tips to help your solar power projects go smoothly...
Silicon Solar Cells - 5 Things You Need To Know About Getting Them To Perform Their Best |
