Long Term Outdoor Testing of Two Different Thin
Thin film solar cells are used commercially almost worldwide. In this context, we tested two different solar PV modules of copper indium
This is the dominant technology currently used in most solar PV systems. Most thin-film solar cells are classified as second generation, made using thin layers of well-studied materials like amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), or gallium arsenide (GaAs).
The connection wires run under the ridge cap at the top of the roof. Efficiency ranges from 10 to 18% but only costs about $2.00-$3.00 per watt of installed capacity, compared to Monocrystalline which is 17-22% efficient and costs $3.00-$3.50 per watt of installed capacity. Thin film solar is light weight at 7-10 ounces per square foot.
Thin-film solar efficiencies rose to 10% for Cu 2 S/CdS in 1980, and in 1986 ARCO Solar launched the first commercially available thin-film solar cell, the G-4000, made from amorphous silicon.
With the increasing efficiencies of thin film solar, installing them on standing seam metal roofs has become cost competitive with traditional Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline solar cells. The thin film panels are flexible and run down the standing seam metal roofs and stick to the metal roof with Adhesive, so no holes are needed to install.
PDF version includes complete article with source references.
Get technical specifications, ROI analysis tools, and pricing information for our BESS integration and energy storage solutions.
Av. de la Innovación 15
28042 Madrid, Spain
+34 91 133 2769
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM CET