Abstract:
Lasers play a major part in the processing of the
numerous materials used in engineering and manufacturing. The
range of processes in which lasers are involved is ever increasing.
One of the areas in which laser has recently found application is in
energy systems. With the dwindling non-renewable sources of
energy such as fossil fuels and increasing demand of electricity, there
is increasing interest in addressing the energy problem through
development of systems for renewable energy alternatives such as
solar energy. Though solar energy is readily available and has no
adverse effects on environment such as pollution and greenhouse
effects, it has not been fully exploited due to a number of challenges.
Some of these challenges include high capital cost and the low
conversion efficiency. Therefore photovoltaic industry has taken
advantage of the benefits inherent in laser technology, namely
accuracy, cost-efficiency, and flexibility that are critical in
manufacturing today. This paper presents a review of the various
production and assembly methods employed in the manufacture of
solar panels where laser technology plays a predominant and the
types of lasers are preferred along the photovoltaic production chain
from the silicon raw material to the finished laminated solar modules.
