Thin-Film Solar Solutions

Like all solar cells, lightweight, thin-film solar cells convert the sun’s natural energy into usable power in the form of electricity. By reducing the amount of material needed to absorb the sun’s rays, thin-film technology reduces manufacturing costs while improving energy-conversion efficiency, in comparison with multi-layered solar cells. They can also be fitted onto pre-manufactured panels for a totally integrated rooftop solution. Thin-film solar cells are generally recommended in applications where vandalism and other abuse are concerns, such as schools or applications with significant rooftop traffic.

Like all solar panels, thin film solar panels convert the sun's natural energy into useable power in the form of electricity. However, thin film solar provides many advantages over conventional polycrystalline panels. Thin film solar is generally more economical than polycrystalline panels. The raw material costs and manufacturing costs of thin film are less than traditional polycrystalline panels. Thin film solar can be encased in glass - similar to polycrystalline panels, or it can be manufactured on a flexible substrate which significantly reduces the weight of the installed system. The reduced weight and flexible characteristics makes the flexible thin film solution ideal for many metal roof applications.

The primary disadvantage of thin film is that it is not as efficient as polycrystalline panels. Therefore, you need about 60% more square feet of thin film panels as compared to polycrystalline panels to produce the same amount of power. Thin film solar is the fastest growing segment of the solar market. Experts expect this technology to continue to grow as its efficiency rates increase with further technological advances.