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    Home»solar»What Are Thin-film Solar Cells
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    What Are Thin-film Solar Cells

    David WrightBy David WrightJuly 17, 2020Updated:July 17, 2020No Comments3 Mins Read
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    Thin-film Solar Cells
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    Thin-film solar cells are a rapidly growing category of solar photovoltaic cells that directly convert solar energy into electricity usable within the home. Thin-film cells consist of one or more layers of photovoltaic material on a substrate. Solar cells under the thin-film category are defined by the type of material used in cell construction.

    Contents show
    1 Second Generation
    2 Building Integrated Photovoltaics
    3 Thin-Film Types
    4 Breakthroughs and Barriers

    Second Generation

    Thin-film solar cells are commonly equated with the second “generation” of solar cell, the first being conventional crystalline silicon-based solar cells. The appeal of thin-film technology lies in inexpensive production, resulting from the need for less material, most notably expensive silicon, in panel production (e.g. no bulky aluminum frame).

    Building Integrated Photovoltaics

    Because of their slim size, thin-film solar cells have become the leader in Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). They can be easily incorporated into a building’s design, typically as part of the roof structure in the form of solar shingles or rolls for metal roofing.

    Thin-Film Types

    Types of thin-film solar cells include:

    • Amorphous silicon (aSi)
    • Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)
    • Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS)
    • Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSC or DSSC)
    • Organic solar cells

    As mentioned earlier, different thin-film solar cells are identified by the material used in their production, although developers use names interchangeably. For instance, dye-sensitized solar cells are commonly referred to as organic solar cells because the “dye” used is often made from organic material. And DSCs are often grouped with third-generation solar cells because they don’t necessarily use a semiconductor material, but nevertheless are applied in thin films. There is still no clearly defined separation between many different types of solar cell.

    Breakthroughs and Barriers

    Again, the main advantage of thin-film cells is low production costs, a factor that drives up the cost of today’s most efficient (crystalline silicon) solar cells and is a primary reason that the solar industry is so reliant on government incentives for widespread distribution.

    But the ideal, affordable solar cell must do one better than cheap production. It must have a high rate of efficiency in converting sunlight to electricity. So far, thin-film cells have been lacking in that department. World leader in thin-film production, Arizona-based First Solar has dominated the thin-film industry thus far with a solar panel that is just under 11% efficient. While conventional solar panels maintain efficiencies at 15-20%, the low production cost of First Solar modules has facilitated their rise into prominence. Thin-film solar modules in general are expected to take over market share of solar panels within the next few years.

    Recently, another thin-film manufacturer, Nanosolar, has begun mass production of its thin-film module that edges out First Solar’s efficiency rating. Nanosolar’s panels are made using nanotechnology to create a “solar ink” using CIGS solar cells. This allows for a printing press-like manufacturing process that the company claims will produce solar modules three times faster than First Solar.

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    David Wright
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    David Wright is a environment activist. He has worked for many years to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our environment. He has also worked to create legislation that would help to protect the environment. In addition, he has also worked to educate people about the importance of environmental protection. In addition to his work as an environmental activist, David Wright is also a writer and a photographer. He has written many articles about the environment and has also taken photographs of the environment. In addition, he has also lectured on the environment and has taught classes on environmental protection. As an environmental activist, David Wright has made a significant contribution to the fight against environmental pollution.

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