Due to the growing demand for renewable energy sources, the manufacture of solar cells and photovoltaic arrays has advanced dramatically in recent years. To ensure high-quality products, it is essential to accurately monitor any contaminants during the production process.
High purity silicon is integral to the creation of solar panels. Typically, 99% pure silicon is created from silicon dioxide in an electric arc furnace. This is then further purified using the floating zone technique, in which a rod of impure silicon is passed through a heated zone several times in the same direction, dragging the impurities toward one end which is then removed.
Moisture contamination can affect the integrity and performance of solar cells, mainly during the encapsulation process when the finished solar cells are sealed into silicon rubber or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Moisture can promote delamination, accelerating corrosion and leading to device failure. By ensuring a high-purity supply gas for manufacturing processes, gas analyzers support the production of a high-quality solar panels.