Introduction to Photovoltaic Panel Structure

Solar cells, also known as “photovoltaic cells” or “solar chips”, are semiconductor thin films that convert light energy into electrical energy.
1. Solar cell is the core component, which is divided into polycrystalline silicon and monocrystalline silicon cells. Solar cells are generally small, with sizes ranging from 125mm×125mm, 156mm×156mm, 166mm×166mm, and 182mm×182mm
210mm×210mm. It is rectangular, with the cells closely arranged in a series configuration. Typically, a solar panel has 72 or 60 cells.
2. Photovoltaic glass, also known as “photoelectric glass”, is a tempered glass for subway cars, which has excellent light transmittance and high hardness. It can adapt to large temperature differences between day and night and harsh weather conditions. It covers the solar cells to protect them
3. EVA film is very fragile, and the solar cells are very delicate. Photovoltaic glass cannot be directly attached to it, so EVA film is needed to serve as a bonding layer in between. Similarly, EVA film also plays a bonding role between the solar panel and the backplane. EVA film has excellent light transmittance, but it will turn yellow after exposure to air, affecting power generation efficiency. Therefore, the technical requirements for encapsulation are very high.
4. Photovoltaic backsheet, which also serves to protect the solar cells, must be sealed, insulated, waterproof, and resistant to aging. The material is generally made of TPT or TPE
texture of material. The lifespan of a backboard is generally shorter than that of glass and aluminum frames, but can typically reach 25 years. There is also a type of double glass component, and the back panel is made of tempered glass
Glass, this type of double glass solar panel has better transparency and higher power generation efficiency.
5. Solar aluminum frame, made of aluminum alloy material, has excellent strength and corrosion resistance. It can play a role in supporting and protecting the entire battery panel. And the installation holes of the solar panel are also on the frame, connected to the photovoltaic bracket through the frame.
6. The junction box protects the entire power generation system of the battery panel, acting as a current transfer station. When a short circuit occurs in a battery cell, the junction box will automatically disconnect the short circuit
The battery string.
7. Silicone, silicone is a very good sealing material used to seal the edges of solar panels and solar frames, as well as the edges of solar panels and junction boxes. Like some solar frame slots
The overflow groove designed is to prevent silicone from overflowing.

Recycling materials from photovoltaic panels

Silicon wafer: As the core component of photovoltaic panels, silicon wafer is the key to converting solar energy into electrical energy. After recycling silicon wafers, they can be purified and reused through special processes to become new raw materials for the manufacturing of photovoltaic panels. The recycling and utilization of silicon wafers can not only reduce the use of new materials and lower production costs, but also effectively alleviate the global shortage of silicon mineral resources.
Aluminum frame: Aluminum frame is the support structure of photovoltaic panels, mainly used to support and fix silicon wafers. After recycling the aluminum frame, it can be reprocessed into aluminum products, reducing the use of new materials and lowering production costs.
Copper wire: Copper wire is a key component for connecting silicon wafers inside photovoltaic panels and is the main channel for transmitting electrical energy in photovoltaic panels. After recycling copper wire, it can be reused in the production of new photovoltaic panels or other electronic devices.
Glass: The surface of a photovoltaic panel is covered with a layer of glass to protect the silicon wafer and other internal components. After recycling glass, it can be remelted for use in new glass products, reducing the mining and consumption of raw materials.
Other materials: In addition to the main materials mentioned above, photovoltaic panels may also include components such as EVA film, solder strips (containing metal elements such as tin coated copper and silver coated copper), junction boxes, etc. These materials can also be separated during the recycling process and reused or safely disposed of based on their properties.

Recycling prices of various materials

Backboard: Approximately $276-345 per ton, although low, it has economic value.
Copper: Approximately $10345-11704 per ton, a high-value metal with significant recycling benefits.
Silicon wafer: Approximately $2481-3034/ton, core component, high value for recycling and reuse.
Glass: Approximately $165-191 per ton, can be used for new products to reduce raw material consumption.
Aluminum frame: Approximately 1860-2069 USD/ton, recycled and reprocessed to reduce the use of new materials.