The main function of thin film solar panels, like traditional solar panels, is to convert solar energy into electricity. Now, let’s learn about thin film solar panels.
What is thin-film solar panel?
Unlike traditional monocrystalline silicon solar panel, thin-film solar panels are usually made of a thinner, single-layer photovoltaic material, typically 200 to 300 times thinner than traditional silicon solar panels, which makes thin-film solar panels more portable. This makes thin-film solar panels more portable, but also results in far less operating power than traditional solar panels.
How thin-film solar panels are made?
Most solar panels are usually made up of three parts. Photovoltaic material, conductive sheet and protective layer. Photovoltaic materials are usually semiconductor materials that convert sunlight into energy, common photovoltaic materials such as CDTe and CGIS. The conductive sheet, on the other hand, needs to be made of a material with good electrical conductivity (aluminium is commonly used), which prevents unnecessary loss of electricity. Finally, a protective layer of lightweight glass plastic is added to the Top of the thin film solar panel to extend the life of the thin film solar panel and to increase its durability.
How efficient are thin-film solar panels?
Due to the limitations of thin-film solar panel materials, the power capacity of thin-film solar panel is low. And depending on the manufacturing materials of thin-film solar panel, their efficiency varies, usually the efficiency of thin-film solar panels is about 10% to 20%.
Thin-film solar panels can be divided into several types
According to the different manufacturing processes of thin-film solar panels, thin-film solar panels can be divided into the following four categories: amorphous silicon panels, cadmium telluride panels, copper indium gallium selenide panels and organic photovoltaic panels.
Advantages of thin-film solar panels
The material uses fluorine-containing polymer material, which is soft and can fit the curved surface well; it is thin and light, which can be easily transported; it does not need too many metal brackets, which is easy to install.
Disadvantages of thin-film solar panels
The use of fluorine-containing polymer materials, the price is more expensive; the use of toxic substances such as fluorine in the manufacturing process, which may cause some harm; short service life, and low efficiency; in extreme weather resistance to storms is poor, when the storm comes, it may be damaged.
Thin-film solar panels, the price of how
The material cost of each thin-film solar panel plus the cost of labor or machinery, the price of each panel will usually be around $0.3, (prices may vary slightly in different regions). When installed properly, the type of panel used and the professionalism of the installer are also factors that affect the price.
Comparison of thin-film solar panels and traditional solar panels
Materials: The main material of traditional solar panels is monocrystalline silicon, while thin-film solar panels are usually manufactured from the same crystalline silicon as traditional solar panels, as well as an additional portion of fluorine-containing polymer materials.
Efficiency: Although thin-film solar panels are lighter and more portable than traditional solar panels, their efficiency is lower than that of traditional solar panels, which is one of the main manifestations of the difference in materials and performance.
Price: Compared with traditional solar panels, thin-film solar panels usually add some fluorine-containing polymer materials. Therefore, the cost of thin-film solar panels is higher than traditional solar panels.
Thermal conductivity: The conductivity of traditional solar panels is lower than that of thin-film solar panels, which makes the thermal conductivity of traditional solar panels higher than that of thin-film solar panels .
Places of use: Traditional solar panels are generally used in homes with flat or pitched roofs; thin-film solar panels are used in homes with curved roofs, or RVs and boats with curved tops.
Are thin-film solar panels worth installing on homes?
My recommendation is that it is best not to install thin film solar panels on homes. Since most homes have flat or pitched roofs, conventional solar panels can be used, and thin film solar panels can be costly, and their lifespan is usually less than that of conventional monocrystalline silicon solar panels, and they work less efficiently. Therefore, traditional monocrystalline solar panels are more suitable for installation on residential roofs than thin film solar panels.
Summary
So, if you plan to install thin-film solar panels, you can refer to the above content to determine whether it is worth installing thin-film solar panels. If it is suitable, you can also choose the right kind of thin film solar panel based on the advantages and disadvantages of different materials.
