Solar cells in thin-film solar panels have light-absorbing layers 350 times thinner than those in standard silicon panels. Thin-film solar cells are the lightest PV cells available, thanks to their narrow design and efficient semiconductor built into their cells. They are also the most durable.
Manufacturing Tecnologies
There are four technologies use to make thin-film solar panels.
- Amorphous Silicon (a-Si).
- Cadmium Telluride (CdTe).
- Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS).
- Gallium Arsenide (GaAs).
Leading Thin-Film solar panel Manufacturers
- First Solar
First Solar, the world’s largest thin-film manufacturer, dominates the CdTe innovation. To date, First Solar only has served the commercial market, providing low-cost installations for businesses, institutions, and solar power plants on a large scale.
- SoloPower
The San Jose-based solar company is known for its versatility and ultra-lightweight design, making it a good fit for building-integrated photovoltaics (panels integrated into a building’s envelope, usually along vertical surfaces). SoloPower is a global leader in the production of CIGS.
- Sharp
Sharp Solar, which has been in business for over 50 years and is the leading manufacturer of a-Si technology, is a global leader in thin-film technology.
- Solar Frontier
Solar Frontier, the world’s leading CIGS thin-film manufacturer, is also based in Japan. This production giant is partly to blame for the strong projected growth of CIGS PV installations worldwide.
Final Note
Whether you prefer thin-film or silicon wafer panels, it’s critical to get some numbers on the estimated cost of installation, long-term energy bill savings, and payback period.
Review the different Solar Marketplace and specify your panel innovation and model priorities in your dashboard to start comparing bids from vetted installers in your area.
