How to set up Solar Cell Manufacturing unit

Solar Cell

A solar cell, is an electrical device that converts the energy of light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect, which is an physical and chemical phenomenon. A solar cell, a type of photoelectric cell, directly converts light energy into electricity. These individual cells are the building blocks of photovoltaic modules, commonly known as solar panels

Almost all of the commercial PV cells consist of crystalline silicon, with a market share of 95%. Cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film solar cells hold a strong position in the market, capturing around 5% of the global solar cell share. An array of interconnected solar cells directly converts sunlight into a usable amount of direct current (DC) electricity

Solar cells are like tiny factories that turn sunlight into electricity. Imagine little power plants that use sunshine instead of burning fuel! Heres what they're used for:

• Big power plants: Lots of solar cells together create solar farms that generate electricity for entire towns and cities.
• Homes and businesses: Solar panels on rooftops use sunshine to power houses and buildings.
• Off-the-grid living: In remote areas without power lines, solar cells provide electricity for homes and cabins.
• Small electronics: Calculators, portable phone chargers, and even some toys use tiny solar cells.

Process for solar cell manufacturing:

The Heart of Photovoltaic Power: Transforming Silicon Wafers into Solar Cells

Solar cell manufacturing is a fascinating dance between material science, physics, and meticulous engineering. Here's a closer look at the key steps involved in transforming silicon wafers into electricity-generating powerhouses:

1. Silicon Processing:

• Crystal Growth: Ultra-pure silicon, the base material, undergoes a process like the Czochralski method. Molten silicon is slowly pulled from a crucible, forming a cylindrical crystal ingot with a near-perfect crystalline structure.
• Wafering: These ingots are sliced into thin wafers using diamond-coated wire saws. The precise thickness is crucial for light absorption and electrical properties.

1. Wafer Cleaning and Texturing:

• Cleaning: The wafers are meticulously cleaned with chemicals and deionized water to eliminate any surface contaminants that could hinder light absorption or electrical flow.
• Texturing: The smooth wafer surfaces are then textured using techniques like chemical etching or laser ablation. This creates microscopic peaks and valleys, increasing the surface area and light trapping efficiency within the cell. Light bounces around more within the textured surface, maximizing the chance of it being absorbed by the silicon.

1. Junction Formation (Doping):

• Doping Magic: This step creates the heart of the solar cell - the p-n junction. Here's the magic:
• P-type Doping: The wafers are selectively doped with boron atoms. Boron introduces "holes," which are the absence of electrons and act like positively charged carriers. This region becomes the p-type region.
• N-type Doping: Phosphorus atoms are then introduced onto specific areas of the wafer. Phosphorus donates extra electrons, creating an n-type region.

The p-n junction is the foundation for the photovoltaic effect. Light hitting the cell creates an electric field across this junction, allowing electrons to flow and generate electricity.