INVESTIGATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF SOLAR PANEL

• Adewuyi, Gideon Akinyemi

  Federal University of Technology, Akure.

• Daso, Akindele Wellington

  Federal University of Technology, Akure.

• Oke, Peter Kayode

  Federal University of Technology, Akure.

This research focused on the investigation and characterization of the elemental composition of solar panels available in Nigeria, with a view to making recommendations for the indigenous production of solar panels using locally sourced materials as semiconductors. The ZEISS Ultra Plus Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) machine was used to obtain the structural pattern of the samples. In order to carry out the elemental composition of the samples, EDX analysis was performed using the Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) machine, and the result was measured in atomic weight %. The result showed that the elements present in the solar panel from China were evenly distributed, the same as the elements present in the panel from Canada, while the elements present in the panel from Germany were not evenly distributed. In sample A (China), the number of elements present was Silicon (45.00%), Oxygen (34.30%), Sodium (16.20%), and Aluminum (4.50%); in sample B (Canada), Silicon (50.43%), Oxygen (39.90%), Zinc (4.80%), and Aluminum (4.87%) were present; In comparison, in sample C (Germany) with Silicon (50.42%), Oxygen (39.90%), Nickel (4.83%), and Aluminum (4.85%) were present. Silicon is the main element present as it is the semiconductor material used. It was used because of its semiconducting properties, ability to release electrons when exposed to sunlight (either monocrystalline or polycrystalline), and stability and reliability. Other elements like aluminum and silver form metal contact on the solar cell's surface, and they serve as catalysts that facilitate the flow of electrons. Thus, this study has laid the foundation for elements available in solar panels to guide indigenous researchers and business ventures interested in the elemental constituents of solar panels for business and production purposes.

1. Adewuyi, Gideon Akinyemi, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

   Department of Mechanical Engineering

2. Daso, Akindele Wellington, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

   Department of Mechanical Engineering

    

3. Oke, Peter Kayode, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

   Department of Mechanical Engineering

    

    

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