Thin Film Solar Technology

When you’re choosing a solar energy system, you’ll need to decide between several choices for the solar panels themselves. Thin film solar panels are the newest on the market, and they hold many advantages over other forms of solar panels. In fact, many people consider thin film solar panels to be the second generation of photovoltaic cells. Thin film solar panels are much easier to mass-produce, making them much lower in price than other types of solar panels. Plus, their flexibility makes them easy to install on your roof or in other areas, in contrast to the large rigid panels that were once the only option in photovoltaic cells for rooftop solar energy collection.

Thin film solar panels are printed with “solar ink”, which is made in many colors to catch different parts of the light spectrum. Thin film solar panels are printed using a device not unlike a printing press. During the manufacturing process, multiple layers of this sunlight reactive substance is applied to a base material.  These thin panels are produced on rolls 13 inches wide and up to 2400 feet long, with electrical connections already welded into the panel with a laser. Their flexibility, as well as the pre-installed electrical connections, makes thin film solar panels easy to install. In fact, they can even be integrated directly into roofing tiles or other materials.

When installing, you can avoid the use of the large roof mounted racks that are necessary when using solid panels. These thin panels blend seamlessly with your roofline, leading to a much more attractive roof. Although all types of solar panels are relatively durable and should last for several decades, the flexibility of thin film solar panels means that they tend to have less breakage than other panels.

These thin film solar panels are being considered not only for use on home and commercial rooftops, but also as a portable way to power small electronics. For example, a flexible panel weighing less than a pound is currently enough to recharge a laptop computer, and it can be rolled for ease of transportation. 

Lightweight and flexible thin film solar panels are not as efficient as solid panels, but they are much cheaper and lighter than conventional panels. Although you will need to install twice as many to get the same output as with other types of photovoltaic cells, they are flexible enough to be installed in many more locations.  They typically come in 5, 10, and 20 watt sizes; the size and number of panels you’ll need depends on the amount of energy you typically use. Before purchasing thin film solar panels, track your energy usage for a few months to get an idea of how many you’ll need.

Another option to begin the transition to solar power is to buy just a few thin film solar panels, supplementing the power generated with regular electricity from your utility company.  Many people have had experiences with thin film solar panels without even knowing it; it is the power source for most solar-powered calculators. Although its use on rooftops to collect solar energy is relatively new, more research will lead to better and more efficient panels, and thin film solar panels could soon make conventional solar panels obsolete.

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