Thin film solar panels were first created because of the high cost of crystalline silicon solar cells, and then because of the desire to manufacture more flexible solar panels, the second and third generation of thin film semiconductor solar cells were born. Thin film solar cells require less materials, usually using a silicon layer with a thickness of only one micrometer, which is about 1/300 of the width of single crystal and polycrystalline solar cells. The quality of silicon is also lower than that used in monocrystalline silicon chips.
CIGS Solar Folding Bag
Many thin film solar cells are made of amorphous silicon. Because amorphous silicon does not have the semiconductor characteristics of crystalline silicon, it must be combined with hydrogen to conduct electricity. Amorphous silicon solar cells are the most common type of thin film batteries, which often appear in electronic products such as calculators and watches.
Other commercially viable thin film semiconductor materials include cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), and gallium arsenide (GaAs). A layer of semiconductor material is deposited on a cheap substrate, such as glass, metal or plastic, making it cheaper and more adaptable than other solar cells. Semiconductor materials have high absorption, which is one of the reasons why they use less materials than other batteries.
Crystalline silicon solar panel
Compared with the first generation solar cells, the production of thin film cells is much simpler and faster. According to the capabilities of manufacturers, there are many technologies that can be used to make thin film cells. Thin film solar cells like CIGS can be deposited on plastic, which greatly reduces its weight and increases its flexibility. Cadmium telluride is the only thin film. Compared with all other solar technologies, it has lower cost, longer payback time, lower carbon footprint and less water consumption in its life cycle.
Monocrystalline silicon solar panel
However, the current situation of thin-film solar cells has many shortcomings. The cadmium in the cadmium telluride battery will be highly toxic if inhaled or ingested, and will seep into the ground or water source if not properly treated during the treatment process. This can be avoided if the battery panel is recycled. However, this technology is not widely used as required. The use of rare metals such as CIGS, CdTe and GaAs may also be an expensive factor that may limit the production of a large number of thin-film solar cells.
Solar charging panel
In addition, the overall conversion efficiency of thin films is not as high as that of crystalline silicon, which is an important reason why they are not widely used. In addition, some thin film solar cells will have higher prices than crystalline silicon, and the production and storage temperatures will have higher requirements.
If you want to know more about solar panel products, please contact us, the solar panel manufacturer – Huanqi Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.