Looking into a Solar Panel
The sun is the source of life. Now, the sun is the source of energy as well. With the help of science, man has been using solar energy to get heat, help cut electricity costs and protect the environment. This is made possible by man’s ingenuity and invention known as a solar panel, a device that turns sunlight to energy.
This panel actually has two types which are the crystalline (brown) and amorphous (black) panels. Basically made up of silicons, these panels differ in color, design and production.
The crystalline panel is commonly used among the two. It is made up silicon wafers which are finely sliced silicons that are cut, polished and layered with dopant (an element added to alter the electrical property of a crystal). The silicon wafers are then lined up in a backing panel and secured by conductive metal strips. It is then layered with clear glass to seal the panel.
Another type is the amorphous panel which is a very thin layer of silicon atoms and dopants sprayed into a glass, metal or plastic backing material. It can be used as flexible panels and solar roof tiles. Amorphous panels are also thinner than the crystalline ones.
-
STAT