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Thin-film solar panels, also called thin-film photovoltaics, are a more flexible renewable energy solution than traditional rigid photovoltaics, which makes them useful in certain applications.
This article will explore thin-film photovoltaics and their key differences from traditional models. We’ll also explore the various materials used, common applications, costs, and advantages and disadvantages.
Whether you’re a homeowner, RV enthusiast, or tech-savvy camper, this guide will help you determine whether this is the right choice for you.
What Are the Differences Between Thin-Film Solar Panels vs. Traditional Solar Panels?
Thin-film and traditional photovoltaics, also called PVs, all produce energy when the semiconductors within them interact with electromagnetic radiation from sunlight to release electrons, which then flow as DC electricity. However, the difference is the semiconductor materials they are made from.
Thin-film photovoltaics are made of one or more very thin non-crystalline layers of photovoltaic materials, which allows them to be thinner and more flexible; in fact, they are about 300 times thinner than traditional monocrystalline or polycrystalline PVs. This allows them to be shaped to unusual and curved surfaces where a traditional rigid model could not be placed.
However, that thinness and flexibility come at a cost; commercially available ones are often far less efficient than crystalline photovoltaics, so you need more panels to generate the same power. This means they take up a lot of space, so they are mostly used in large-scale utility solar power plants rather than by homeowners who often have limited space on their roofs or yards.
The other difference is that their thinness makes them much less durable, so they last only 10-20 years compared to at least 25 years for traditional quality crystalline PVs.
The Types of Materials Used for Thin-Film Solar Panels
Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)
Cadmium telluride is used in about 50% of thin-film PVs because it’s cheap to manufacture. The downside is that they usually only have a 9-11% conversion efficiency. However, the main problem with using these models is that once you’re done with them, disposal becomes a significant problem because they contain large amounts of the toxic element cadmium.
They can leach considerable cadmium into the soil and water. So, they should not be disposed of at a municipal waste site but instead recycled in an approved facility or disposed of at a hazardous waste landfill.
Amorphous Silicon (A-Si)
Amorphous silicon is another cheap option, making it the second most commonly used semiconductor in thin-film PVs. Like traditional photovoltaics, these’re made of silicon, but the difference is that they are amorphous, meaning they are non-crystalline, allowing them to be flexible. Since it contains no cadmium, the recycling or disposal phase is much less an issue.
However, they also have the lowest conversion efficiencies on the market at between 6-8%. This typically makes them only suitable for things that don’t require much power, like consumer electronics.
Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS)
Copper indium gallium selenide PVs have much better efficiency ratings, around 18% in real-world situations. Despite lacking cadmium in the name, they still contain toxic cadmium, but fortunately, they are at a far lower percentage than CdTe technology.
Newer models sometimes use zinc instead of cadmium. The downside is that they are costly to manufacture, so they cannot compete with CdTe or A-Si PVs.
Gallium Arsenide (GaAs)
The other type of thin film panel is made with gallium arsenide, which has the best conversion efficiency, reaching close to 30% in a laboratory. The major drawback of these models is that they are extremely expensive to manufacture, so they are mainly used for satellites and spacecraft, not for consumer products.
Common Applications of Thin-Film Solar Panels
Choosing the right solar system for your application is essential, but it can be confusing since there are all kinds of photovoltaic panels, like EcoFlow Solar Panels, for different use scenarios. So, let’s clear the confusion by explaining the various applications.
Thin film models are usually best for applying to unusual surfaces where traditional models simply won’t work since that flexibility usually comes at a cost.
For example, when selecting PVs for an RV roof, you want thin and flexible so you can attach them to a curved surface on the front of your RV. However, you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice efficiency for flexibility anymore.
The EcoFlow 100W Flexible Photovoltaics will also fit to a curved surface thanks to unique technology. However, they are still made with high-quality monocrystalline silicon with an industry-best 23% conversion efficiency.
On the other hand, when selecting PVs for your house roof or installing them on a shed, you’ll want durable, rigid models that will last for many years. The EcoFlow 400W Rigid Photovoltaics are a perfect choice because they are made with rigid frames and installed with sturdy mounting brackets and will last at least 25 years. They are also made with high-quality monocrystalline silicon with a 23% conversion efficiency.
Another application is for travel. If you like to camp in a tent or need more power for your RV than you can fit on your RV roof, EcoFlow Portable Solar Panels is the way to go. And you still won’t have to sacrifice power output for portability. In fact, EcoFlow’s 400W Portable Photovoltaics will produce the same amount of energy per panel as your rigid models.
They offer the same excellent 23% conversion efficiency but are designed with lightweight and portable frames so you can pack and move them around easily.
How Much Do Thin-Film Solar Panels Cost?
Thin film photovoltaics typically cost about $0.50 to $1 per watt. The average cost with installation for ten panels varies widely depending on the technology used, ranging between $2,000 and $8,800.
Always consider a product’s lifespan when determining its cost. Most thin-film models only last 10 – 20 years, so you must replace them at least once, possibly twice, before replacing your quality rigid photovoltaics just once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since they are thin and flexible, these photovoltaics are the least durable in the market, lasting only between 10-20 years on average. For comparison, rigid photovoltaics should last at least 25 years before they need replacing.
What is better depends on your application; thin film is the best option when you have a curved surface on which you need to install photovoltaics. However, if you don’t have a curved surface, you will generally want the better efficiency and lifespan seen in rigid or portable monocrystalline PVs.
The main disadvantage of thin-film photovoltaics is that they usually have much lower conversion efficiency, so you need more panels to generate the same amount of electricity as traditional PVs. The other disadvantage is that because they are thin and flexible, they are not as durable, so they tend not to last as long as rigid models.
Final Thoughts
Thin film photovoltaics offer solutions for unique applications where flexibility and lightweight designs are the most critical factors, like using them on a curved RV roof. However, their usually lower efficiency and shorter lifespan make them less than ideal for things like rooftop solar for your home. Therefore, when choosing which photovoltaics to use, consider your specific needs and factor in the longevity of your panels before letting cost be the determining factor.
For those seeking reliable, high-efficiency options, EcoFlow’s Solar Panels provide excellent options for any application where rigid, portable, or flexible PVs are needed.