Solar panels or photovoltaic cells use semi-conductive materials like silicone . The photovoltaic cells also need to make an electrical field, to do this manufacturers manipulate the silicon with different materials to give the silicon pieces a negative or positive charge. Phosphorus is added to the top layer of silicone to give the top layer a negative charge. Boron is then placed at the bottom of a silicone face giving that face a more positive charge. When a photon hits the silicone faces electrons are knocked out of the silicon field. Finally metal panels are put it to the sides of the cell to direct electrons to the wires.
This relates to engineering because it’s about how a solar panel is made and created. It relates to life because it’s an important use of renewable energy and seems like a important use of energy for the future generations. The makers of the solar panel would have had to go through many processes make the final product.
https://www.livescience.com/41995-how-do-solar-panels-work.html
