Now, let's start with a little twist in our tale. You might think solar panels begin their life in sandy beaches, but nope! It all begins with quartz rock. Buried deep in the Earth, these rocks are mined to obtain the star of our show: silicon.

Extracting silicon from quartz rock involves mining. But here's where things get super sunny. 

Companies like REC have stepped up to show that mining can be done right. Ensuring ethical manufacturing means every piece of quartz is mined with utmost care, keeping both the environment and community in mind. It's all about digging responsibly, ensuring we aren't harming Mother Nature's other treasures.

Ethical manufacturing isn't just about treating the planet with respect, it is also about the people involved. China's XinJiang region is notorious for human slavery, forced labour and re-education camps where humans are offered little to no money or OH&S and have their lives traded for money. In particular the Uyghurs, an intensely persecuted Muslim ethnic minority.

We do not support any solar panel manufacturer that sources silica from the open market as there is a probability that the silica has originated from this region. Many companies like Trina, Canadian Solar, Longi, Q Cells and Jinko have not been able to prove their sources of silica so we refuse to support their businesses. 

3. Turning Silicon into Superstars

With our ethically sourced silicon in hand, the next step is to refine and mold it into thin wafers. Imagine them as super-thin cookies, but instead of dunking them into milk, we're setting them up to soak in some sunlight.

4. Assembling the Solar Puzzle

Our silicon wafers, now all prepped and ready, are assembled into panels. It's like putting together a puzzle, but instead of a picture, we get a panel that's hungry for the sun's rays.

5. The Protective Shield

Now, to ensure our solar "cookie" doesn't crumble, it's given a protective layer of glass. This isn't just any glass. It's the superhero kind—tough, transparent, and ready to brave the elements.

So, we've crafted our masterpiece, but how does this panel transform sunlight into energy? Think of it as a plant photosynthesizing light. Sun rays hit the panel, magic happens (okay, science happens), and voilà! We get electricity. For a more in-depth dive (without the confusing jargon), check out our simple guide on how these panels work their magic.

7. The Million-Dollar (or maybe just thousand-dollar) Question: Are Solar Panels Worth It?

In a word: Absolutely! Think of it this way: investing in solar panels is like planting a tree that grows money. Over time, the savings pile up, the Earth sends you a silent "thank you" note, and you bask in the glory of making a smart choice. Still not convinced? Dive into the nitty-gritty of why these panels are every homeowner's dream.

8. A Shoutout to REC

We've sung praises of ethical manufacturing, but it's time to give a tip of the hat to the champions making it happen. Explore our range from REC and discover how quality and ethics dance together in a sunlit tango.