What are Thin Film Photovoltaics?

Without a doubt, the most exciting technology in the solar power industry is "Thin
Film Photovoltaics."  Thin Film Photovoltaics technology represents the next big
thing in renewable energy and solar power as it integrates nanotechnologies into the
production of solar photovoltaics. 

According to the Department of Energy, the recent technological advances in thin

film photovoltaics make this a very exciting time to be in the solar energy industry. 
These advances have led to many new developments in the components and
manufacturing of thin film photovoltaics. This has made thin film photovoltaics
cheaper to manufacture as they are also now easier to install since they are extremely
versatile, flexible, bendable, and much lighter.

Thin film photovoltaics  have led many to believe that as much as 50% of our nation's
future power will be generated by "power buildings" that integrate "building
integrated photovoltaics" or "BIPV" into the building's skin or exterior surfaces, that
convert sunlight into "pollution free power" for use in the building.  This also
designates these buildings (and homes) as "Net Zero Energy Buildings" and make
the option for going grid-free, or not connecting to the grid, a real possibility.

According to the Department of Energy, the market potential for printed electronics
will grow into a $47 billion market by 2018.  Thin film photovoltaics represents a
significant portion of this market - and based on this heavily researched solar
technology, thin film photovoltaics now represents a $20 billion/year industry in the
U.S.

The solar PV panels produced under the thin film photovoltaics umbrella have the
potential to produce power significantly cheaper power than today’s typical silicon-
based PV panels.  The panels are usually made in the form of a monolithic piece of
glass, upon which various thin films are deposited, although a number of firms are
working on depositing the materials on a substrate, such as stainless steel or plastic.

Types of Thin Film Photovoltaics – there are primarily three types of thin film
photovoltaics and include:

1. Amorphous Silicon

2. Cadmium Telluride

3. Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide

Amorphous Silicon had the largest share of the thin film photovoltaics market
through 2006. It has been researched for the longest period of time, may be the best
understood material of the three and has been commercial for the longest. 
Cadmium Telluride, a very toxic chemical and has the remaining share and is
growing. 

 Lower cost of production of the 

 Lower production facility cost per watt - CapEx

 Uses as little as 1/500 of the amount used in standard silicon cells

 Lower energy payback – amount of time until the product produces more
energy than was utilized in its manufacture.

 Produces more power/watt

 Superior performance in hot and cloudy climates

 Integrates seemlessly in homes and buildings – see Building Integrated

Photovoltaics 

 Produces the lowest cost power