Installer Directory
author

Written-by

Janet Richardson

calendar

Updated on

Oct 03, 2023

Read Time : 3 Minutes

Thin Film Solar Panels

Thin film solar panels are frequently overlooked, especially when it comes to their crystalline counterparts. The tend to have a lower level of efficiency and take up a lot more space, but they are also the cheapest option and the one with the most potential for the future. Flexible and easy to install, they present quite a few benefits. They might just be the right option for your home or commercial building, and this page will help you to figure that out.

What are They?

Thin film solar cells are created by placing several thin layers of photovoltaic material on top of each other. The reason we say material instead of specifying is because there are actually a few different types of thin film solar cell, and the way in which they differ comes down to the material that is used for the PV layers. The types of material used are as follows:

  • Amorphous silicon
  • Cadmium telluride
  • Copper indium gallium selenide
  • Organic PV cells
     

The efficiency ratings for thin film solar cells tend to vary from 7% to 13%. This is all dependent on the technology and material that has been used to make them. Since 2002, the popularity of thin film solar cells, and the desire to learn more about them, has risen dramatically. This means that research and development have also been increased. As a result of this rise, we can expect future models to have efficiency rates of at least 10% to 16%. Hopefully, as time goes by and research continues to grow, we will see even higher rates.

COMPARE PRICES FROM LOCAL INSTALLERS

Compare prices from local companies fast & free

Enter your postcode to compare quotes from leading professionals. We promise to keep your information Safe & Secure. Privacy Policy

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Thin Film Cells

Here are some of the advantages of thin film solar cells:

  • They can be manufactured to be flexible, making them widely applicable to a range of situations and building types
  • Mass production is easy to achieve, making them potentially cheaper to produce than crystalline solar cells
  • Shading has a similar effect on their efficiency
  • They tend to be lighter than crystalline systems
     

Here are some of the disadvantages of thin film solar cells:

  • They are not ideal for domestic use as thy take up a lot of space
  • Low space efficiency means that they will cause further expenses in the form of enhancers, like cables of support structures
  • They have a shorter lifespan and so shorter warranty periods
     

The Storage of Energy from Solar Cells

A frequent concern that people have is whether or not the visibility of the sun will affect how much energy the panels are able to generate. Even more frequently, people think that the panels will stop functioning altogether without direct sunlight. This is, in fact, a myth. During cloudy weather, the solar panels will still continue to function as normal, just at a lower level of efficiency. Of course, one thing that many are right about is the fact that the thin film solar panels will stop working at night.

It is here that storage comes in very useful. If your panels are connected to the National Grid, you can use the energy from it at night in order to power your home. It is also possible for you to integrate batteries into your solar cell system, and these can be used as a form of energy storage. They work to store the energy that has been gathered by cells, saving it for days when there are low levels of sunlight, or for use at night.

Solar battery systems don’t come cheap, as they range from £3,000 to £12,000, depending on the size and capacity. However, they are well worth the investment. Not everyone wants to spend that kind of money, and so it may be likely that an alternative solution will make its way to market in the near future thanks to all of the solar research taking place across the world.

Before You Invest in Thin Film Solar Cells

The price of thin film solar cells and the return on your investment through government schemes should not be the only factors that you take into consideration before you make a choice to invest. Here are some of the things that you should think through before you make your choice and decide to go green with solar energy.

You have to think about the location of the panels. Will the system be located in an area where the solar cells are able to capture sunlight from at least 9am until 3pm every day? Solar arrays that have been fitted onto a roof are hugely reliant on their location for the generation of electricity. However, with thin film solar panels, it is easier to fit tracking systems that move the panels with the sun as they are much more flexible. This really helps you to get the most out of your system.

You also need to take the time to ensure that your roof is suitable for solar panels as normal crystalline models can actually be quite heavy. If your roof is not able to support their weight, then thin film solar panels tend to be much lighter, which could prove beneficial to you. Solar cells come in a range of shapes and sizes, and it’s important you take the size of the solar panels into consideration. If you calculate your energy needs before, it will give you a much better idea of the panel size that you require for your home or business.

Want to Know More?

Have you found yourself interested in solar panels? If you want to contact some approved, local installation companies in your area, head over to our directory. Or simply give us a ring using the number at the top of this page and have a chat.

 

Find a local installer

Welcome to the biggest directory of UK renewable energy companies

image

Related Information

Images

A Complete Guide to Solar Panels in 2023

Solar Panel Information Solar panels to generate electricity, solar PV, are the world's leading...

Images

History of Solar PV

Our journey with solar power goes back thousands of years, beginning with our ancestors harnessing...

Images

What are the different types of solar photovoltaic cells?

Types of Solar Photovoltaic Cells Solar panels convert energy from the sun into the electricity...

Images

Types of Solar Panels

What are the different types of solar panels? We are used to seeing solar panels on the rooftop...

Find a local installer

Welcome to the biggest directory of UK renewable energy companies

Or

COMPARE PRICES FROM LOCAL INSTALLERS

Compare prices from local companies fast & free

Enter your postcode to compare quotes from leading professionals. We promise to keep your information Safe & Secure.

Privacy Policy
Contact

Contact Us

Answer these simple questions and we will find you the BEST prices.

What technology are you looking to install?

What do you require?

What happens now?
  1. We will give you a quick call to discuss your requirements.
  2. With your permission, we'll get three vetted companies to contact you.
  3. Compare quotes and select the best fit.
The Renewable Energy Hub provides expert advice for those looking to invest in renewables.

We've been doing so for over a decade. Fill in the form on the right and one of our experienced operators will give you a call to discuss your requirements and answer any questions you have.

We're ethically run and will only share your details with 1-3 of our REH approved installation companies with your express permission. Privacy Policy

Please enter your contact details

logo

Before you go...

Can we help you with anything?

Leave your details and we'll contact you to discuss your requirements

x

logo

quick and free price comparison for solar or heat pumps