Home Solar Panels are usually made from either amorphous silicon cells or crystalline solar cells. Amorphous silicon panels can produce more power in scattered or cloudy conditions although they are not as efficient as crystalline solar cells in general and take far more space.
Crystalline Solar Cells are either polycrystalline or mono-crystalline. There are a number of different process involved in making crystalline solar cells. Siemens process :- trichlorosilane, or silane is sent via a hydrogen to a chamber where rods of electronic grade silicon are heated to produce a polycrystalline ingot.
Czochralskie Process :- seed crystal is added to heated silcon chunks and rotated. The silicon solidifies and forms a single crystal growth producing a mono-crystalline ingot.
Ribbon Forming Process:- strings are pulled through a container of molten silicon and the silicon solidifies between the strings forming a continuous ribbon.
Despite which process is used the crystal that is formed is then cut into wafers that are then cut, polished and etched with a pn junction formed. Then the electrodes are attached to the front and back of the solar cell plus an anti- reflective coating applied.
If you want to make your own solar panels for your home usually poly crystalline or monocrystalline cells are the best because they provide a good efficient power output and are cost effective.
Monocrystalline cells produce more current per surface area exposed than polycrystalline so you will get the most power from a given amount of space using monocrystalline cells. For more information see home solar panel
