Thin Film Solar Cells
When exploring solar power as an alternative energy solution, thin film solar cells can provide the most efficient source of photovoltaic power as opposed to conventional solar cells, and other alternative energy methods.
All thin film solar cells are constructed in a similar fashion. This means that they all have layers, but these layers can be of unique materials. The simplified format of construction is a transparent layer, photovoltaic layer, and a substrate layer.
Unlike conventional solar cells, thin film cells use a non-crystalline photovoltaic layer, or semiconductor. There are several advantages to this, but the main reason for its popularity is the potential flexibility this type has. The material used for the substrate layer is what makes a cell flexible, or rigid.
The cells are typically named after which material is used for the photovoltaic layer. There are 3 mainstream categories, amorphous silicon is preferred by many manufacturers due to the availability in the industry. Cadmium telluride, and copper indium gallium selenide are less costly to produce, and have a more efficient photo conversion value. However, controversy surrounds the use of cadmium, and copper due to the possible negative environmental impact. Organic materials are quite new, and still not efficient enough for conventional use, or market share.
One major advantage of using thin film solar cell technology is the ability to integrate them into building construction. The most notable method of integration is on building rooftops. Flat or conventional pitched roofs are acceptable applications, as the thin film can withstand light foot traffic, and is less susceptible to wind lifting.
Technology in this field has come a long way from the solar powered calculators, and low output cells of yesterday. With the scientific community studying organic solutions, and other elements for possible photovoltaics the future of thin film solar cells have great promise.
All thin film solar cells are constructed in a similar fashion. This means that they all have layers, but these layers can be of unique materials. The simplified format of construction is a transparent layer, photovoltaic layer, and a substrate layer.
Unlike conventional solar cells, thin film cells use a non-crystalline photovoltaic layer, or semiconductor. There are several advantages to this, but the main reason for its popularity is the potential flexibility this type has. The material used for the substrate layer is what makes a cell flexible, or rigid.
The cells are typically named after which material is used for the photovoltaic layer. There are 3 mainstream categories, amorphous silicon is preferred by many manufacturers due to the availability in the industry. Cadmium telluride, and copper indium gallium selenide are less costly to produce, and have a more efficient photo conversion value. However, controversy surrounds the use of cadmium, and copper due to the possible negative environmental impact. Organic materials are quite new, and still not efficient enough for conventional use, or market share.
One major advantage of using thin film solar cell technology is the ability to integrate them into building construction. The most notable method of integration is on building rooftops. Flat or conventional pitched roofs are acceptable applications, as the thin film can withstand light foot traffic, and is less susceptible to wind lifting.
Technology in this field has come a long way from the solar powered calculators, and low output cells of yesterday. With the scientific community studying organic solutions, and other elements for possible photovoltaics the future of thin film solar cells have great promise.