Thin Film

  • Thin Film Solar Panels

    Thin-film technology is a more recent innovation in photovoltaic (PV) research and development, and it is available in two main types of formats: Flexible Laminates & Rigid Glass Panels.

    Although newer to the market and less-efficient (thereby requiring a larger footprint), thin-film products do possess some distinct advantages over the more traditional crystalline modules. These include:

    •    • More easily incorporated into building envelopes (BIPV)
    •    • Better performance under low and diffuse-light conditions
    •    • High-energy yields
    •    • Inexpensive manufacturing process results in lower installed cost and lower cost/kWh

    Flexible Thin Film Solar Laminates

    Thin-film laminate modules are flexible, lightweight (<1 lb per sq. ft.), and exceptionally durable. They have an easy adhering application that requires no additional mounting system on many roof surfaces such as TPO, EPDM and standing seam metal. As a result, they are easily incorporated into the building envelope as a BIPV (building-integrated photo-voltaic) and are a popular choice for recover applications and when aesthetics are a significant design consideration.

    Rigid Thin-Film Solar Panels

    Recent innovations in the manufacturing process - by companies such as First Solar and Colorado-based Abound Solar - have resulted in solar technology that offer significant cost-advantages and high energy yields. This has kept demand for these products strong, particularly in utility-scale applications to which these types of panels are ideally suited. These panels typically resemble a more traditional solar panel - cells encased in glass and surrounded by an aluminum frame - although frameless modules are available by some manufacturers. Also, the size of these thin film solar panels is generally smaller (2’W x 4’L), but the output per panels is also significantly less (70-80W).

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