The Photovoltaic industry, also known as the solar cell or solar energy panel industry, uses solar-grade semiconductor electronic devices to absorb solar radiation and convert it into energy. Solar energy is considered one of the cleanest, safest, and most reliable energy sources and is rapidly growing as a key global industry. The photovoltaic industry chain consists of five key stages:
- Silicon Material: Preparation of solar-grade silicon.
- Silicon Wafer: Processing includes smelting, purification, slicing, polishing, and cleaning to obtain silicon wafers.
- Photovoltaic Cell Manufacturing: Midstream production of solar cells.
- Battery Module Assembly: Creation of photovoltaic modules for power generation systems.
- Photovoltaic System Installation: Downstream installation of energy conversion.
In the photovoltaic industry, ensuring worker safety is paramount. Lakeland offers a complete range of personal protection equipment (PPE) to safeguard employees in solar panel manufacturing environments.
One critical concern is protection against hazardous dust. During the polysilicon production process, large amounts of silicon dust—which is fine, toxic, and easily inhaled—are generated. *Lakeland’s M100 particulate respirator and M100VC organic vapor and particulate respirators provide highly effective protection, minimizing risks like pneumoconiosis and harmful gas poisoning. Additionally, eye protection products such as *G1100 safety glasses and G1510 goggles guard against scratches, impacts, ultraviolet rays, and chemical splashes.
While silicon dust primarily poses a respiratory hazard, it’s essential to also protect workers from secondary contamination. Lakeland’s EN Type 5 protective clothing, such as Safegard or Micromax, can prevent contamination of everyday clothing, reducing the risk of inhaling dust after the workday.
When it comes to chemical protection, a range of irritating, corrosive and toxic chemicals are used in stages such as polysilicon reduction and pickling, Lakeland’s ChemMAX® series chemical protective clothing, *Nitrosol® nitrile rubber chemical-resistant gloves, Neosol® neoprene high-performance chemical-resistant gloves, etc., can effectively protect workers from the threat of skin and eye injuries and poisoning.
The polysilicon process also uses flammable and explosive substances, and high-temperature environments are not unusual. Lakeland’s flame-retardant protective clothing can effectively mitigate flash fire hazards.
Higher-temperature protection is required in the process of industrial silicon smelting. Lakeland’s aluminized fabric thermal insulation clothing products, such as the AHR1000 series and AHR2000 series can provide excellent radiation protection, safety performance and comfort.
Arc protection is another heat-related requirement in the polysilicon production and photoelectric conversion stages. Lakeland’s arc suits and related accessories can provide reliable protection for workers.
In terms of mechanical protection, polysilicon has high hardness and sharp edges. Lakeland’s hand protection products, such as *SpiderGrip® polyester fiber dipped PU coated gloves, ShurRite®Kevlar® cut-resistant gloves/sleeves, etc., can meet the protection needs of both oil resistance and cut resistance.
The combination of chemical, flame, heat, and arc hazards throughout the solar panel manufacturing process also highlights the need for comprehensive fire protection gear. Lakeland’s fire protection range, including front-entry fully enclosed airtight chemical protective clothing, high-temperature thermal insulation clothing, head-to-toe fire-fighting clothing including fire gloves, fire helmets and fire boots, etc., can provide comprehensive protection for fire rescue teams.
Lakeland provides a full range of PPE for workers in the photovoltaic or solar energy and photovoltaic industry, and choosing Lakeland means professional and reliable protection. We are committed to providing high-quality personal protection solutions for the photovoltaic industry, protecting your employees, and helping your enterprise develop safely and stably.
*Please Note: These products are currently available only in our Asia-Pacific and India regions. Contact us for more information.