Page 422 - A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Energy Systems

432 A COmPREhEnSIVE GuIdE TO SOLAR EnERGy SySTEmS

FIGURE 22.2 Process sequence for manufacturing Si and thin-film PV modules.
recrystallization step. Then, the individual PV cells are assembled into framed PV pan-
els, and finally the PV system is completed by the addition of the BOS. There are more
steps to arrive at the final stage in c-Si manufacturing than in thin-film PVs (CdTe and
CIGS), and a comparatively large amount of energy is required for the production of
crystalline silicon [1].

22.3.2 Production Sites and Electricity Mixes
Each analyzed PV system is also classified on the basis of country of production. The
c-Si PV production chain is classified into three main producing regions: Europe, Chi-
na, and the uSA, according to the data source used. The sc-Si and mc-Si wafers used
in Chinese PV manufacturing are sourced entirely domestically; on the other hand, of
those used in united States PV manufacturing, 66% are produced in China and 34%