How Much Energy to Make a Solar Panel?

The process of manufacturing solar panels involves intricate steps and resources, notably energy consumption. Understanding the energy footprint sheds light on the true environmental benefits of solar energy. In this blog, we’ll try to find out how much energy is needed to make a solar panel.

How Much Energy to Make a Solar Panel?

The amount of energy required to create a solar panel varies depending on the type of panel. It takes about 200 kWh of energy to make a single 100-watt solar panel. As technology improves, these numbers change too. Don’t worry, though – the idea that solar panels use more energy than they produce is totally untrue.

We’re talking about the energy needed to physically make the panel. While it might seem like a lot, remember that one panel generates a significant amount of energy over its lifetime. Here’s an example:

If a solar panel is 100 watts and gets 10 hours of direct sunlight each day, it produces 1000 watts (or 1 kilowatt-hour) of energy per day. That’s 365 kilowatt-hours per year. With a 25-year warranty, that’s 9,125 kilowatt-hours over its life.

Assuming energy costs $0.10 per kilowatt-hour:

• Making the panel costs around $20 (200 kWh ×— $0.10).
• It generates about $36.50 worth of energy per year ($0.10 ×— 365 kWh).
• Over 25 years, it produces $912.50 worth of energy ($36.50 ×— 25 years).

If you have 20 panels, that’s $18,250 in energy production over 25 years. Keep in mind, you can adjust the energy cost based on your location.

So, a $20 energy investment creates a 100-watt solar panel, yielding a return of $892.50 per year ($912.50 – $20).

With this, you know how much energy is needed to create a solar panel. Now, let’s also learn about the solar panel raw material list.

What is Solar Panel Raw Material List?

After learning how much energy is consumed to produce a solar panel, let’s also go through this solar panel raw material list. The process of creating solar panels involves a variety of essential raw materials:

• Pure Silicon: At the core of solar panel production, pure silicon is the main component. Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline modules rely on this essential material.
• Glass: The transparent casing that encloses the array of solar cells within each panel is crafted from glass. Its high transparency ensures sunlight can effectively reach the cells.
• Protective Material: Solar modules contain a silicon semiconductor shielded by protective material within a sturdy metal frame. This material often incorporates a transparent encapsulant.
• EVA (Ethylene-vinyl Acetate): Serving as a sealant, EVA polymer is crucial for encapsulating solar cells between a tempered glass cover and a polymer back sheet.
• Backsheet: A thin plastic layer, the back sheet safeguards solar cells from moisture and various environmental factors that could impact performance.
• Frame (Aluminum): The frame, crafted from aluminum, provides essential structural support to the entire solar panel assembly.
• Copper or Silver: Copper or silver is integral for the wiring within the solar panel, facilitating the flow of electricity.
• Plastic: Plastic plays a role in producing the frame, contributing to the overall structure of the panel.

In summary, while pure silicon forms the cornerstone of solar panel creation, a range of materials, including glass, protective substances, EVA, back sheet, aluminum frames, copper or silver wiring, and plastic components, collectively contribute to the intricate manufacturing process.

After going through the solar panel raw material list, let’s also explore its production process and what is the carbon footprint of solar panel manufacturing in the upcoming segments.

Also Read: How Many Solar Panels for a House in Canada are Required?

How are Solar Panels Produced?

To better understand how much energy is needed to make a solar panel, you should learn how solar panels are produced. The creation of solar panels involves a multi-step process, combining various components to harness solar energy efficiently. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved in making solar panels:

Step 1: Producing Solar Cells

Solar panels primarily consist of solar cells. These cells are made by mixing crystalline silicon with elements like gallium or boron to form silicon ingots. Phosphorus is added to enable electricity conduction. The silicon ingots are sliced into thin sheets and coated with an anti-reflective layer. Precise slits are made in the cells to guide the flow of electricity.

You can also find out How do I Know How Much Electricity My Solar Panels are Generating?

Step 2: Soldering Solar Cells

Metal connectors are used to solder individual solar cells together, creating a larger panel. The number of cells soldered simultaneously depends on the panel’s intended size. Common sizes include 60-cell panels for standard use and 72-cell panels for commercial applications.

Step 3: Assembling Panel Components

A durable back sheet made of plastic is applied to the bottom of the solar cells for protection. A thin glass sheet is placed atop the cells to facilitate sunlight penetration. These layers are secured with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) glue. A metal frame encloses these components, providing structural support and attaching to mounting clamps for installation.

Also See: What is the Gap Between Two Solar Panels?

Step 4: Installing the Junction Box

The junction box safeguards the panel’s wiring, ensuring proper electricity flow from the panel to the inverter. This prevents any reverse flow of electricity, allowing the solar panels to function effectively, even when they’re not actively generating electricity.

Step 5: Quality Testing

Each solar panel undergoes rigorous testing under Standard Test Conditions (STC) to verify that it meets its promised specifications. The panel is subjected to a flash tester that simulates standard conditions, including specific irradiance, temperature, and air mass. If the panel passes these tests, it’s deemed ready for shipment and installation.

This comprehensive process showcases the intricate steps involved in transforming raw materials into functional solar panels, ready to harness the power of sunlight and convert it into usable energy. Now, let’s discover the carbon footprint of solar panel manufacturing.

Also See: Why Are My Solar Panels Not Producing Enough Power?

What is the Carbon Footprint of Solar Panel Manufacturing?

In the initial years, solar panels release approximately 50g of CO2 per kWh generated. By the third year, they usually achieve carbon neutrality. This remains significantly lower – about 20 times – than emissions from coal-based power. When comparing greenhouse gas emissions from coal mining with those from solar panels, the cleaner nature of solar becomes evident. While a single solar panel produces less energy than a ton of coal, it’s crucial to consider the lifecycle of greenhouse gas emissions for a comprehensive perspective.

In conclusion, recognizing the energy needed for making solar panels highlights the importance of sustainable production methods for a greener future. For more interesting and informative blogs, check out our website.

Source: How Are Solar Panels Made?