Solar Panel Installers in Maidstone

The Core Component: Silicone

The heart of most solar panels is silicon, a natural element that is abundant on Earth and has excellent electrical properties. Silicone is used because it can absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity through a process known as the photovoltaic effect. There are two primary types of silicone used for solar panels, your solar panel installer will be happy help you choose the best one for your Maidstone home.

• Monocrystalline Silicone: These are the most efficient type of solar cells, made from a single crystal structure. They typically have a higher cost but also a higher energy output.
• Polycrystalline Silicone: These are made from silicon crystals that are melted together. They are less efficient than monocrystalline, but also cheaper to produce.

The Solar Cells: How Silicon Becomes Electricity

Solar panels are made up of many solar cells, each composed of two layers of silicon. When sunlight hits these cells, it excites the electrons in the silicon, creating an electric current. This process is key to how solar energy is converted into usable power.

Each solar cell is typically about 15 to 20% efficient at converting sunlight into electricity. While this might sound low, it’s important to remember that solar panels are continuously improving in efficiency over time.

Other Key Materials in Solar Panels

While silicon is the primary material, other components are necessary to complete a solar panel:

• Glass: The front surface of a solar panel is made of tempered glass, which protects the delicate silicon cells while allowing sunlight to pass through. The glass is highly durable and designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.
• Frame: Most solar panels have an aluminium frame that provides structure and support. The frame also helps with mounting the panels on roofs or other surfaces.
• Backsheet: The back of the panel is usually covered with a backsheet, a protective layer that helps prevent moisture and dirt from damaging the cells. This layer also provides insulation to keep the panel operating efficiently.
• Encapsulant: A layer of transparent material (often EVA, or ethylene-vinyl acetate) surrounds the solar cells. This material helps protect the cells from environmental damage while allowing sunlight to reach them.

Wiring and Junction Box

To complete the electrical circuit, solar panels contain wiring and a junction box, where the electrical connections are made. The junction box contains the output terminals that allow the electricity generated by the cells to flow into an inverter (the device that converts DC electricity into AC electricity for home use). 

Other Types of Solar Panels

While silicon-based panels are the most common, there are also other types of solar technologies that use different materials:

• Thin-Film Solar Panels: These are made by depositing layers of photovoltaic materials (such as cadmium telluride or amorphous silicon) onto a surface. While they are cheaper and more flexible, they tend to be less efficient than silicon-based panels.
• Perovskite Solar Cells: This is a newer type of solar technology, made from materials with a crystal structure called perovskite. They are still in the experimental stages but promise to offer higher efficiency at a lower cost.

Recycling and Sustainability

As solar panels become more widespread, the question of sustainability and recycling has gained importance. Many of the materials used in solar panels, such as silicon and aluminum, can be recycled. However, recycling processes for solar panels are still being improved, and some of the materials (like certain chemicals) are harder to recover. That said, the growing solar industry is working towards creating more sustainable production and disposal methods.

Solar Panel Installer Maidstone

In summary, solar panels are made from a combination of materials that work together to convert sunlight into electricity. While silicon is the most important material in most panels, other components like glass, aluminum, and encapsulants play crucial roles in ensuring the panels are efficient, durable, and long-lasting. Understanding what solar panels are made of can help us appreciate the technology that powers our homes and businesses with clean, renewable energy.

If you are looking to add solar to your home in Maidstone, contact our team today!