Solar Cell or PV Cell is a small unit of PV module and the power output of a single PV cell value is 0.5V & 10A. If you want to know the basic construction of a PV cell, then we can understand from the below image. It has two layers – P-N Junction. Negative layer of solar cell placed on upper side and Positive layer on bottom. The N-layer is thinner than the P-layer. As we know, a PV cell is made of silicon (means sand) and a mix of silicon and carbon, then hit it at 5000 degree celsius.
![solar cell making process](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2980/5140/files/1260942_SolarPanelProductionBB_Opt2_800X460_121721_1024x1024.png?v=1721798669)
Source: Image/Battle Born Batteries
After doing some process, it converts into silicon Ingot. It looks like a square shaped like bread. After that, the ingot cuts into very thin pieces and it makes wafers. It makes polycrystalline wafer and then starts dropping the process of phosphorus and in wafer to increase efficiency of solar cells. And Finally, we use these solar cells in PV module manufacturing.
Step-by-step process:
Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 |
Silicon | Silicon Ingot | Silicon Wafer | Solar Cells | PV Module |
Types of PV Cells Efficiency Wise, Worldwide
In the above section, we know about solar cells and its making process. Now, we know about what types of solar cells available now, so we have the given PV cells with efficiency:
Types of PV Cells | Efficiency |
Tandem | 29% to 32% |
HJT | 26.84% |
TOPCon | 24% |
MONO PERC | 23% |
Monocrystalline | 21% |
Polycrstalline | 16% |
Thin film | 16% |
How do Solar PV Module Manufactured?
PV module is a collection of solar cells and it is encapsulated by an aluminum frame. In the image below, you can see one single PV module has 7 layers: glass, frame, EVA, cells, junction box with mc4 connector, back sheet, RFID, and more. Solar cells are connected in series and parallel and final output connects in the junction box. When we combine more than one PV module then it becomes a Solar Panel and multiple solar panels connect then it becomes a solar array and multiple solar arrays combine then it becomes a solar power plant.
![pv module making process](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2980/5140/files/Solar_Panel_assembly_construction_components_600x600.jpg?v=1721798796)
Source: Image/
For example, if consumers install 5kW solar power plants, then it comes 8 to 10 PV modules and the output power of 384V to 500V.