What is a solar panel made of? This is a question that might have struck your mind, either in school or while looking at recently installed solar projects. Basically, a solar panel is made of a solar cell. But what is this solar cell? In this article, we’ll dive into everything there is to know about solar cells, so that you can opt for one while being well-informed.
What is a Solar Cell?
The photovoltaic effect is a physical and chemical process that changes solar energy into electrical energy in a solar cell, which is also termed a photovoltaic cell.
The type of solar cell affects how well it turns solar energy into electricity. It’s important to note that solar PV panels are made up of several separate solar cells. Because of this, PV cells are called the building blocks of solar panels. Solar panels are made by connecting these cells in either series or parallel.
The photovoltaic cell takes sunlight and turns it into power right away. The amount of power made relies on the type of light and the solar cell’s different performance attributes.
A single solar cell usually makes about 0.5 to 0.6 volts. Also, these need to be connected in series so that they can add up to make more voltage.
How Does a Solar Cell Work?
So, how do solar cells work? The photoelectric effect makes it possible for a solar cell to turn sunlight into electricity. Photons from sunlight activate electrons in silicon cells, which makes electricity flow. After that, this electric current is rendered safe for households or the grid.
Materials like Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) are also used in some solar panels because they are cost-effective and efficient at absorbing sunlight. These materials convert solar energy into an electric charge, forming the basis of solar power.
Just like water flows in a river, electrons move through a circuit, creating a steady flow of power. Today, small solar power systems are increasingly being adopted by Indian communities, ensuring a reliable source of electricity and improved stability in daily life.
Components of a Solar Cell
Now that we understand how solar cell works, it’s time to understand what the components of a solar panel are. This would help you understand the functionality in a better way, and maybe pick the right solar panel.
Semiconductor layers (typically silicon)
The primary part of a solar cell is the semiconductor layer, and it is typically made up of Silicon. Now, there are two types: Polycrystalline and Monocrystalline.
| Feature | Monocrystalline Silicon | Polycrystalline Silicon |
| Structure | Single, continuous crystal | Multiple smaller silicon crystals |
| Efficiency | Higher (typically 17–22%) | Lower (typically 15–17%) |
| Appearance | Uniform, dark black or dark blue colour | Mottled or mosaic-like blue appearance |
| Cost of Production | Higher | Lower |
| Space Efficiency | More power in less space | Requires more space for the same output |
| Temperature Tolerance | Performs slightly better in high heat | Slightly less tolerant to heat |
| Lifespan | Generally longer | Slightly shorter than monocrystalline |
| Usage | Ideal for limited space and high efficiency needs | Common in larger installations with budget limits |
P-N Junction
Doping the semiconductor material with different impurities creates two separate areas: a P-type area and an N-type area. There is a P-N junction when the P-type and N-type layers are near each other. It is also often called the heart of the Solar Cell. The difference between the P and N types is explained in the table below.
| Feature | N-Type Silicon | P-Type Silicon |
| Doping Element | Phosphorus (or other elements with 5 valence electrons) | Boron (or other elements with 3 valence electrons) |
| Charge Carrier | Free electrons | Holes (electron deficiencies) |
| Electrical Charge | Negatively charged (due to excess electrons) | Positively charged (due to lack of electrons) |
| Majority Carrier | Electrons | Holes |
| Minority Carrier | Holes | Electrons |
| Conductivity | Slightly higher due to more mobile electrons | Slightly lower compared to N-type |
| Position in Solar Cell | Typically forms the top layer (in traditional cells) | Typically forms the bottom layer |
| Colour (if visible) | Often lighter or blueish in appearance | Usually darker or reddish, depending on doping level |
Electrodes and Anti-Reflective Coating
The electrodes are a part of the solar cell that collects the usable current from the solar cell. At the same time, the anti-reflective coating made of silicon nitride prevents the sunlight from bouncing off and gathers the maximum energy.
Encapsulation and Protective Materials
A common material like EVA is laminated around the solar cell to protect it from any form of outside damage. Also, a front sheet of tempered glass ensures maximum protection.
How Solar Cells Turn Sunlight into Power
Now, how do solar cells generate electricity? There are two layers of silicon in each solar cell’s tiny semiconductor wafer. Silicon is a naturally occurring chemical element and one of the best semiconductors. Silicon semiconductors may both conduct electricity and block it.
The N-type silicon layer has a positive charge, whereas the P-type silicon layer has a negative charge. N-type takes away electrons quickly, while the P-type semiconductor gets the extra electrons from the electric field. This layer of positive and negative charges helps make an electric field on the solar panel.
We all know that the sun sends energy to the planet in tiny packets called photons. When sunlight hits these photovoltaic cells, which are already making an electric field, the photons of sunshine brighten the electrons inside the cells, which makes them start to flow.
These free electrons that start to move in the electric field make the electric current even stronger.
Types of Solar Cells
There isn’t one, but many types of solar cells, something that the table below will explain better.
| Category | Type | Description | Efficiency | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| First Generation | Monocrystalline Silicon (Mono-Si) | Made from a single crystal of high-purity silicon. | 19% – 22%+ | Highest efficiency, long lifespan (30–40 years), good low-light performance | Expensive to manufacture, energy-intensive process |
| Polycrystalline Silicon (Poly-Si) | Made from multiple silicon crystals melted together. | 16% – 18% | Lower cost, simpler manufacturing | Lower efficiency, larger area required, slightly shorter lifespan | |
| Second-Generation (Thin-Film) | Amorphous Silicon (a-Si) | Uses non-crystalline silicon in a thin, flexible layer. | 6% – 10% (varies) | Lightweight, flexible, less material needed | Lowest efficiency, faster degradation over time |
| Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) | Thin-film using cadmium telluride as the active material. | ~15% – 18% | Low cost, efficient for thin-film, scalable manufacturing | Contains toxic materials (cadmium), less common in residential use | |
| Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) | Uses copper, indium, gallium, and selenide in a thin film. | ~16% – 20% | High efficiency for thin-film, flexible, lightweight | More complex and expensive to produce, not widely adopted yet | |
| Third-Generation (Emerging Tech) | Perovskite Cells | Made from materials with a specific crystal structure (organic/inorganic). | ~20% – 25% (lab) | High efficiency potential, low-cost materials, easy to fabricate | Stability and durability issues, still under research |
| Organic Photovoltaics (OPV) | Uses organic, carbon-based compounds. | ~10% – 13% (lab) | Flexible, lightweight, printable, and with potential for low-cost mass production | Low efficiency and short lifespan, not yet commercially viable | |
| Multi-Junction Cells | Multiple semiconductor layers capture different wavelengths. | 35% – 47%+ (lab) | Highest efficiency available, ideal for space and concentrated PV systems | Very expensive, complex manufacturing, limited to niche uses |
Conclusion
Solar Cells are an integral part of the solar panel, which converts sunlight into electricity. If you’re looking for good-quality solar panels, you should check out the range of options on L&T-SuFin. We bring you top brands and best deals when it comes to solar panels.
FAQs
What is the working principle of solar cells?
Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity using the photovoltaic effect.
What are solar cell types?
There are 3 types of solar cells, 1st generation, 2nd generation and 3rd generation.
Which battery is used in a solar cell?
The solar cell itself doesn’t have a battery; the solar panel does, and it uses both lead acid and lithium ion, depending on the brand.
What is the efficiency of a solar cell?
The efficiency typically ranges from 10% to 20%.
What are the main components of a solar cell?
The main components of solar cells are a semiconductor, a P-N Junction, Electrodes, an anti-reflective coating and a protective layer.
Can solar cells generate electricity without direct sunlight?
No, as long as there’s a little sunlight, they will produce electricity.
What are solar panels made of?
They are made of solar cells.
Are there different types of solar cells?
Yes, there are 3 types of solar cells.
Top Products