Types Of Materials Used To Make Thin Solar Panels

Radical new technology breakthroughs have been taking place in the field of solar panels. Now more rugged, lighter and flexible panels are being preferred over the rigid and heavier units. The flexible panels are referred to as thin solar panels. It is so thin that it can be bent up to an extent. And yet, it has a high impact tolerance, making it resistant to damages caused by harsh outdoor weather conditions. It can withstand light impacts from hail, small rocks, and golf balls. You will get high efficiency from these thin form factor panels.

Available in Different Power Requirements

Thin and flexible solar cells are available in many wattage options. The unit that delivers less than 1 watt at 15 volts will cost you $30. The 5-watt unit will cost $120. The 60-watt unit costs $690. You will find these panels with power specifications ranging from less than 1 watt to 2 kW. Connect multiple solar panels to increase power output. This way you can get any amount of power you need. You are limited only by the space available under the sunlight at your property or project site. Just keep adding other units or buy the higher power configuration panel for heavy-duty power demands.

Difference between Thin Film Solar Panels and Traditional Solar Panels
The thickness is the main difference you will notice if you compare both these types of panels. Thin panels are lightweight and flexible. Traditional panels are usually made with crystalline silicon while the thin solar films are made with a-Si (amorphous silicon), CdTe (cadmium telluride), CIGS (copper indium gallium diselenide,) or CZTS (copper-zinc tin sulfur).

Advantages of Each Material

Thin solar films made with a-Si material have a higher solar absorption rate. It means the layers can be quite thin thereby reducing the material costs. It is an inexpensive, non-toxic and abundantly available material. The panels made using CdTe can adapt easily to a humid and hot weather condition where low light can be an issue. It requires proper disposal and handling due to the presence of cadmium. CIGS is not only environment-friendly it also offers the highest efficiency. It is resistant to heat and lasts long. CZTS panels are made with abundantly available elements like copper, tin, zinc, and sulfoselenide.

There are advantages and disadvantages of each material. Look for thin solar panels that offer the highest efficiency. Take into account the amount and intensity of sunlight available in your area. Now you do not have to worry about the technical details related to the type of material used to make the solar film. Most such products are now made with high-quality materials that offer high efficiency in light of power conversion.