8 Major Raw Materials Used for Making Solar Panels

We all know the importance of renewable energy sources like solar energy, right? They help us reduce our carbon footprint and harness the power of the sun to generate electricity. But do you know how this solar energy is produced? It all starts with a combination of different raw materials, each playing a crucial role in creating a solar panel.

In this blog, we will learn about the different raw materials for solar panels, and what is their importance in converting sunlight into electricity.

List of Raw Materials used to make Solar Panels

A solar panel is made of different raw materials like frames, glass, backsheets, and others. Each of the raw materials for solar panels plays an important role in generating electricity.

Here are the eight essential components that make up a solar PV module:

1. Aluminum Alloy Frames

Regarding solar panels, we usually consider the most fundamental raw materials: the solar cells that gather sunlight and convert it into energy. However, there is another important part: its frame. Made of aluminum, these frames really help to protect your solar panels. They cover the panels from moisture, which might be a major problem should it enter. They provide appropriate drainage, therefore avoiding the pooling of water at edges and damage.

Why is it important?

Durability: Aluminum frames are durable enough to withstand severe weather, including heavy rains, strong winds, and even hailstorms. Reliably protecting the delicate solar cells and other components inside, the sturdy metal frame won’t readily deform, split, or sustain damage.

Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum is perfect for outdoor applications since it does not rust. The metal frames of your solar panels will remain in excellent condition for a long time, regardless of the weather conditions.

2. Silicon Gel

Silicon gel is used as a sealant in solar panels. It is great for use outside because it bonds well and is exceptionally resistant to chemicals, water, and bad weather. By gluing and binding the fused glass PV modules, silicon gel makes sure that solar panels are strong and work well. One of its main jobs is to bond the junction box and backsheet together, which also makes the solar panels more resistant to ultraviolet light.

Why is it important?

Extreme Weather Durability: The solar panel works well in a wide range of conditions because it can handle high temperatures and UV rays.

UV Protection: Silicon gel makes solar panels more resistant to ultraviolet light, which helps them work better and last longer.

3. Tempered Glass

Tempered glass, especially low iron tempered glass, which is also known as “white glass,” is what solar panels are made of. Solar cells work best with light wavelengths between 320 and 1100 nm. This type of glass is specially made to let the most light through in this range, and it does so with a success rate of over 93%. Also, it does a good job of reflecting IR light above 1200 nm. Since this glass doesn’t let ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun through, the amount of light that gets through will stay the same.

Why is it important?

High Light Transmission: As more sunlight can pass through due to the low iron content, the solar cells are more effective. For more sunlight to be turned into electricity, this high transfer rate is necessary.

Durability and Strength: Due to its amazing strength, tempered glass is much less likely to break or receive hits than regular glass.

Safety: In the rare event that it breaks, tempered glass shatters into small, flat pieces rather than shards. Tempered glass is a better choice for solar panels than other materials because it is safer and less likely to break.

UV Resistance: A material’s ability to block ultraviolet light from the sun keeps it from breaking down or becoming see-through. This guarantees that the solar panel will work well and last a long time.

4. EVA Encapsulation Film

A thin, see-through plastic called ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulating film is used to protect the photovoltaic cells inside solar panels. A layer made of this mixture of ethylene and vinyl acetate, which works like hot melt glue, holds the cells together very well. The EVA film protects the solar cells from outside factors that could damage their electrical performance. This is important for keeping the cells’ integrity and function.

Why is it important?

Enhanced Light Transmission: Since EVA film is very clear, it lets more light reach the solar cells, which makes the photovoltaic module work better overall.

Durability: As EVA can handle both high and low temperatures and humidity, cells that are enclosed will stay safe and work for a long time.

Strong Adhesion: The film sticks the back sheet, toughened glass, and solar cells together properly, which makes the whole solar panel strong.

Environmental Protection: The solar cells are protected from dust, water, and other things that could make them less effective by being wrapped in clear EVA.

Improved Electrical Performance: EVA film keeps the solar cells in the best possible conditions, which increases the electrical output and total performance of photovoltaic modules.

5. Photovoltaic Welding Tape

PV welding tape, which is also known as tinned copper strip, is one of the most raw materials for solar panels. The two main categories are busbars and interconnection strips.

Interconnection strips link the solar cells on a screen to each other. As important as they are for collecting current from solar cells, they also carry it. So that the electrical energy that each cell makes can be moved and increased, they join the cells in a certain way.

On the other hand, busbars link the strings of solar cells together. They send the electricity that the solar cells that are joined together make into the junction box. From the junction box, the electricity is either sent to an inverter or straight into the power grid, depending on how the system is set up.

Why is it important?

Reliable Current Collection: The energy that solar cells make is collected and used efficiently through busbars and connecting strips, which also collect and direct the current.

Efficient Electrical Conductivity: The tinned copper that is used to make solar welding tape is very good at conducting electricity, so it can send electricity quickly and easily. This keeps the energy loss as low as possible while current flows through the busbars from the solar cells to the junction box.

6. Solar Cells

There is a device called a solar cell that directly changes the energy of light into electricity. Semiconductors are used in its building. When sunlight hits the P-N junction, it ignites the pairs of electrons and holes. In this area, the electrostatic field divides the pairs. The electrons and holes are then sent out of the cell as an electric current through the electrodes.

Why are they important?

Energy Conversion: Solar cells, especially those made from high-quality silicon, have a high energy conversion efficiency. This maximizes solar panel energy production by converting a significant amount of sunlight into usable power.

Minimal Maintenance: Once put in place, solar cells need minimal maintenance. Usually enough to maintain the panels running effectively is regular cleaning and sporadic inspections, therefore lowering running expenses and effort for owners of solar energy systems.

7. Backsheet

Laminated onto the rear of solar panels, back sheets—also called photovoltaic back sheets—are made of high-quality raw materials. Usually including many layers of polymers and other materials chosen for their electrical insulating qualities, weather resistance, and longevity, the backsheets often include PET (polyethylene terephthalate), Kynar (KPX), and Tedlar (TPX).

Why are they important?

Mechanical Protection: Backsheets shield solar cells from collision, dust, moisture, and other physical harm. The structural integrity of the solar panel is preserved throughout its operating lifespan with the help of this protection.

Electrical Insulation: The solar cells and other parts of the panel are electrically insulated by backsheets. By isolating the solar cells from the panel’s frame and other electrically conducting components, this insulation keeps the system running safely and reduces the likelihood of short circuits.

Thermal Management: To help in the dissipation of heat from the solar panel, some backsheets are engineered with high infrared emissivity. The efficiency and lifespan of the solar cells are improved by these thermal management capabilities, which lowers their working temperature.

8. Junction Box

An essential part of photovoltaic modules, the junction box allows current to be transmitted. It is engineered to fulfill certain standards for electrical performance, mechanical strength, heat dissipation, resistance to corrosion, and weather endurance. For the junction box to function optimally and safely in a range of environments without posing harm to humans or the environment, its size and design are critical.

Why are they Important?

Electrical Safety: Junction boxes are specifically designed to prioritize safety by offering insulation and safeguarding against electrical shocks and short circuits. They improve system safety by preventing exposure to live electrical components.

Mechanical Protection: Junction boxes provide mechanical support and security for the electrical connections inside the solar panel. They prevent installation, handling, or environmental variables from physically damaging sensitive components.

Conclusion

At Vishakha Renewables, we take great pride in being your one-stop destination for raw materials for solar panels. We offer a wide range of products, such as high-performance encapsulants, durable backsheets, reliable junction boxes, and more. We put innovation, sustainability, and quality at the top of our list of priorities, so you can be sure that the solar energy systems you buy from us will be the best and last a long time. With high-quality raw materials, Vishakha Renewables can help you build the foundation for your solar projects. This way, you can use green energy in an efficient and effective way.

FAQs

Is silver used on solar panels?

Due to its exceptional electrical conductivity, silver allows effective collection and conversion of sunlight into power. About 3.2 to 8 grams per m2, the typical solar panel has 0.643 ounces (20 grams) of silver.

What are the major components used for making solar panels?

A typical solar panel comprises a glass enclosure, a metal frame, a layer of silicon cells, and different wiring to let current pass from the silicon cells. A non-metal with conductive qualities, silicon can gather sunlight and turn it into electricity.

Why is tempered glass used in solar panels?

Solar panels get covered protection and safety shield with tempered glass. Made either thermally or chemically, tempered glass—also referred to as safety glass or toughened glass—is Some features of tempered glass make it a suitable material for solar PV panels.

What is inside a solar panel?

A solar panel consists of solar cells. To produce silicon ingot, P-type or n-type solar cells combine gallium, boron, or gallium, with crystalline silicon. Phosphorus added to the mixture lets the cells conduct electricity. The silicon ingot is then sliced thinly and covered with an anti-reflective coating.