Photovoltaic support equipment factory flow chart

What is a photovoltaic module?

For real-world applications, photovoltaic modules are fabricated by electrically connecting typically 36 to 72 solar cells together in a so-called PV module. A PV module (or panel) is an assembly of solar cells in a sealed, weather-proof packaging and is the fundamental building block of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

How many solar cells are in a photovoltaic module?

An individual solar cell is fragile and can only generate limited output power. For real-world applications, photovoltaic modules are fabricated by electrically connecting typically 36 to 72 solar cells together in a so-called PV module.

How do photovoltaic panels work?

The creation of photovoltaic panels centers around turning crystalline silicon into solar cells. These cells are part of large solar projects worldwide. Learning about the solar cell manufacturing process shows how we’ve advanced from the first commercial solar panel to today’s advanced modules. These modules power our homes and cities.

How are photovoltaic absorbers made?

The manufacturing typically starts with float glass coated with a transparent conductive layer, onto which the photovoltaic absorber material is deposited in a process called close-spaced sublimation. Laser scribing is used to pattern cell strips and to form an interconnect pathway between adjacent cells.

What happens at the end of a photovoltaic line?

At the end of the line there will be a series of tests and measurement, such as testing insulation and dielectric strength called Hi-Pot and electroluminescence tests to check the quality of construction (for more details see the article How to manifacture a photovoltaic module).

What metric is used to characterize shading of PV arrays?

Solar access is the metric most often used to characterize shading of PV arrays. Shading measurements can usually be performed under any sky conditions, including overcast and partly cloudy, so long as there is enough light to capture the difference in brightness between the shaded and unshaded parts of the sky.