What is a Silicon Wafer? And How Does It Affect the Quality of a Solar Cell?

 

This question is part of the Super Big Solar Panel FAQ from Solar Mango, where expert answers to over 100 important questions on solar panels are provided.

 

The raw material to make a silicon (mono or poly) solar cell is the silicon wafer.

A solar cell is made from a silicon wafer, which in turn is made from polysilicon ingots.

Silicon wafers are an intermediate product in the solar PV manufacturing process. These are made by slicing polysilicon ingots, usually with diamond tipped cutting saws.

 

Super Big Solar Panel FAQGet to know answers to over 100 important questions on solar panels from here.

 

Ask you can easily guess, the quality of a silicon cell and hence the silicon solar panel, is thus dependent on the silicon wafer.

In order to make monocrystalline solar cells, you will need monocrystalline silicon wafers; similarly, polycrystalline solar cells, you will need to start with polycrystalline silicon wafers.

Source: Silicon Wafer from Solar Mango’s Solar Dictionary

You Might Want to Check Out these Questions Too on Components & Sub-Components

  • What is a Solar PV Backsheet? What are its Functions?-Here
  • What are Solar Module Junction Boxes? What are their Functions?-Here
  • How Important are the Aluminium Frames around the Solar Panels?-Here
  • Are There Ratings Available for Solar Module Junction Boxes?-Here
  • Is the Glass Used in Solar Panels Customised for Solar?-Here
  • Where are EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) Sheets Used in a Solar Module? What is their Role?-Here
  • Should I be Concerned about What Backsheets are Used for Solar Panels?-Here
  • What is a P-N junction of a Solar Cell?-Here

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

BRING - Biomass Residues Intelligence