Solar Panel Manufacturing and Solar Energy Basics

Fill-in-the-blank flashcards covering solar energy concepts, photovoltaic terminology, and the manufacturing equipment and steps involved in producing mono- and poly-silicon solar panels.

Harnessing the Sun’s light and heat is referred to as __.

solar energy

Using heated fluids from the Sun to run turbines and produce electricity is called __ solar energy.

thermal

Direct conversion of sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic phenomenon is known as __ solar energy.

photovoltaic

The word “photovoltaic” combines “photo,” meaning light, and “volt,” a unit of __.

electricity

A basic photovoltaic system is made up of a solar panel, battery, regulator, and the __.

load

An array of several solar cells connected together forms a __.

solar panel

Solar cells can be connected in series or __ depending on the required energy.

parallel

A solar panel made from a single, continuous crystal lattice is called a __-Si panel.

mono

A solar panel composed of many small crystallites of varying size is a __-Si panel.

poly

In Mono-Si production, silicon tetrachloride and kerf (silicon dust) are examples of __ waste.

solid

Key early steps in panel assembly include tabbing, stringing, and creating the __ matrix.

layup

The machine that evaluates solar cell performance by measuring electrical parameters is the solar cell __.

tester

Precisely engraving separation lines on solar cells is done by a __ laser scribing device.

fiber

Thin metal connectors between solar cells are prepared by the __ cutting machine.

ribbon

An __ solar cell stringer automatically solders conductive ribbons to cells in series.

automatic

EVA and back-sheet materials are cut on a dedicated __ cutting table.

film

Glass surfaces are cleaned and dried before coating using a glass __ machine.

washer

Cell strings, EVA, and back sheets are placed on glass at the __ station.

layup

A layer sequence during panel assembly is Glass, EVA, Silicon Cells, EVA, and __ (back sheet).

PVF

Defects like cracks in finished panels are located with an __ tester machine.

EL

Encapsulation of solar cells between EVA and tempered glass occurs in the solar panel module __.

laminator

Panel corners are automatically trimmed by an auto __ cutting saw.

corner

Multiple aluminum profiles are cut accurately by an aluminum multi-profile __ off saw.

cutting

Simultaneous punching of holes in several positions is performed by the four-head pneumatic __ machine.

punching

Both ends of aluminum profiles can be cut at preset angles by a __ head cutting saw.

double

Bonding and sealing components during framing use a __ gun and sealant.

glue

Electrical performance of PV modules under simulated sunlight is measured with a __ simulator machine.

sun

The glass surface of a finished panel is inspected for defects by the panel checking __ machine.

glass

Silica is transformed into Mg-Si, ingots, wafers, and finally PV cells during the __-Si manufacturing chain.

c

Kerf, solvents, and gases released during wafer production can pose __ exposure risks to workers.

air