You’ve heard about the demand for solar on the news, but you might not know how serious it is. In 2021 alone, United States solar panel installations equated to 46% of all new energy capacity. This means that old energy is quickly fading out and new energy is coming in strong.
For those in the solar panel industry, this is fantastic news. You’ll have more work than you’ll know what to do with. But while that sounds great on paper, is your factory ready for increased production?
There’s no better time to improve your solar panel manufacturing process. For those looking to optimize their production, keep reading about how you can simplify your workload.
Understanding the Solar Panel Manufacturing Process
A critical aspect to manufacture solar panels more efficiently is understanding the process in which they are created. Using easy-to-obtain materials, it’s a straightforward process of building solar panels.
Because solar panels derive from quartz sand found on beaches, there is an abundance of materials. However, the machines and temperatures required to turn it into pure silicon are a costly endeavor.
Pure silicon, which is created in the shape of a cylinder ingot, is positively magnetized and then sliced into thin crystals. The type of solar panel determines the number of crystals used.
The crystals are turned into discs, which form wafers. To reduce the reflection of these shiny crystals, an anti-reflective coating is applied. This saves the amount of sunlight that would otherwise escape.
The wafers are treated and given metal conductors that ensure sunlight transfers to electricity. These are the cells of a solar panel, and when combined, create the solar panels we’re used to seeing.
How to Simplify Solar Panel Manufacturing
The solar panel manufacturing process is delicate, and any errors are cause for improvement. Here are a few ways that your factory can simplify solar panel manufacturing.
Automating the Manufacturing Process
We’re finding that demand for solar has drastically risen the manufacturing necessities. For companies to keep up with all the solar purchases, they may take on automating some processes. Automation eliminates human error, which results in increased capacity without having to expand the factory.
Cut Out Material Waste
With typical designs, some materials get wasted. Companies that wish to increase productivity should think about where they can reduce excess. One efficient way to build solar panels is to replace traditional sealants with foamable products.
Update Factory Methods
Just as automation helps reduce production times, so will adjusting your factory methods. Instead of expanding your factory and using old processes, consider updating your machines and tactics. This will allow you to work with more efficiency and invest in the long run.
One useful method companies are using involves sputtering targets. These produce low-radiation coatings for glass that are lightweight and cost-efficient. Check out how sputtering target manufacturers are improving solar panel manufacturing.
More on Building Solar Panels
The demand for renewable energy is on the rise, and it will only continue to grow. Companies that improve their solar panel manufacturing process will set themselves up for the future.
For more about how the solar panel industry is changing, take a look at our Technology section.
