Continuing the fight against the bad effects of global warming, people have been putting in efforts to improve a different source of energy by harnessing the sun’s potential. To be able to produce electricity for their homes and offices, people are using a particular type of solar panel called crystallin silicon. However, massive production of crystalline silicon solar panels is not likely to occur because of the high installation cost of this type of solar panel. Based on this, people who are not in the industrial centers will not be able to benefit from this alternative energy source. Fortunately, latest advancements in solar technology focus on producing solar panels made from low-cost materials.

Thin solar panel film is the new trend in the solar power industry today. This new type of solar panel is expected to make solar industry more competitive in a domestic range. One micron thick of light-absorbing layer comprises the thin solar panel film, unlike silicon-wafer cells. Compared to other solar panel types, this type is lightweight, easy to use, and very durable.

A lot of reasons serve as the basis why thin solar panel films are better to use than traditional solar panels (monocrystalline and polycrystalline). The main reason of the difference between the two types lie in their thickness and their cost of production. Traditional photovoltaic panels make use of wafer slices of crystalline silicon. The materials used in this type of solar cells are costly. Hence, mass production cannot be made. On the other hand, thin-film cells are very cheap to produce. They cost significantly less than traditional solar cells because they merely need one micron to manufacture a pane. Thin-film cells are easier to use and more durable because traditional types of solar cells are also thicker as compared to them.

Today, thin solar panel film consists of three basic sub-types. These types are the amorphous silicon thin-film, cadmium telluride thin-film and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin-film. The type of semiconductor used to manufacture the panel dictates the type of thin-film solar panel produced. The type known as the amorphous silicon type uses the same concepts behind the production of traditional solar cells. However, a casing of plastic or metal is used to encase the silicone used in the production of solar panels. Though this subtype of thin-film is more cost-effective, it is less efficient.

The second subtype of thin-film cells is the cadmium telluride thin-film cells. This type is less popular than the other subtypes it this new solar power technology. It is the least cost-efficient among the three types, even if it is the cheapest. Another reason why it is not popular is that the substance used to create this solar cell is toxic. To explore the long-term effect of this substance, further studies are being conducted. This type if thin-film cells only makes for 15% effciency.

Copper indium gallium diselenide is the third type of thin-film cells. This subtype is known to be the most promising among the three in terms of cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. It has 99% light-absorption capacity and its conversion efficiency is proven to be stable over time.

With the continuous development in solar power industry, especially in thin solar panel film, it wouldn’t take long before we can all enjoy the sun’s power and prevent further damage that greenhouse gases bring.