How to build homemade solar cells
Posted by Solar energy guru | Filed under Solar power systems
Sun is generally known as the ultimate source of energy and we humans have understood this fact clearly by realizing the benefits of the solar energy. In today’s era, when fossil fuels are being used up at a fast pace and are likely to extinct very soon, solar energy is being viewed as a boon for the human race. The solar energy provides sea of benefits to the people. The best part of using this energy is that it can tame to all the energy needs of people across the world.
On the other side, as it is a natural form of energy so it is available in abundance and can be used without any hesitation as compared to other forms of energy. Also, the gadgets being operated by the use of solar energy do not cause pollution. This factor is like icing on the cake and can help immensely in controlling pollution and global warming.
Also it cost nothing to electricity bills thus one can save a lot of money by making use of solar energy. The basic unit that helps in tapping the abundant solar energy present in the world is a solar cell. They are generally fabricated from polysilicon. Following are presented the steps using which one can manufacture homemade solar cell:
- The first and foremost thing that needs to be done for manufacturing solar cell is the preparation of silicon. Silicon is extracted from silicon dioxide. Silicon dioxide is heated severely in the furnace at high temperatures so that all the purities present in it can be removed. Also, through this process of heating, oxygen dissolved in silicon dioxide gets separated and we get silicon with the purity of 99%. Thereafter, it is again undertaken from purification process so that we can obtain silicon with 99.5% purity. The fact of the matter is that this is the standard purity that is required for making solar cells.
- The next step in this process is the crystallization of silicon. Under this process, first silicon is heated so that it melts and then boron is added. This particular additive provides electrical basis to the silicon and it gets charged with positive charge.
- At this stage of process, silicon is in form of ingots. Then they are cut into thin sheets by using the guided machinery of computer. The depth of the thin sheets should be 200-300 microns.
- Now the sheets of silicon are immersed into chemical water so that they can be electrified with the negative charge. Along with this, layer of anti-reflection is also added. This is done because it gives dark appearance to the cell that can help to tap maximum energy of the sun.
- After this, aluminum or silver conductors are attached with the solar cell so that they can be used for conducting electricity.
After conducting one solar cell, it is always recommended to craft a group of solar cells or solar panel so that it can be used for multiple purposes such as in generating electricity, in geysers and in cars to name a few.
How to prepare solar panel
For preparing the solar panel, the solar cells are arranged in rows. These are well connected with each other so that there can be smooth flow of energy. Thereafter, a sheet of plastic or glass is placed upon the panel of cells so that they get well protected. After this, the edges of the solar panel are framed to add the factor of complete protection.
So, you solar panel is ready and you can use it and help in the conservation of the fossil fuels.
October 15th, 2008 at 11:14 am
please explain about the thickness and dimensions for sheet of plastic and glass, which are placed upon the panel of cells.
October 27th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
What is used in the chemical water and the anti reflection agent?
March 14th, 2009 at 8:02 am
you need to make the silicon pure by turning it into silcon chloride then distilling it.
March 20th, 2009 at 2:44 am
I want make some experiments with solar cells: I need to make different shapes from a standard sized solar cell (5″ or more).
Problem is that silicon is very brittle and breaks easily.
Anyone can suggest me how to cut silicon cells without use a laser?
Thank you
Paolo