EquipmentUp to date · Jan 15, 2026
Thin-Film Solar
Solar cells made by depositing thin layers of photovoltaic material (CdTe, CIGS, or amorphous silicon) on a substrate. Lower efficiency (11-18%) but flexible and lightweight.
Why It Matters
Thin-film is rarely used in residential rooftop applications due to lower efficiency, but it dominates utility-scale with First Solar's CdTe panels and is emerging in building-integrated PV.
Related Topics
Related Terms
Monocrystalline Silicon
Solar cells made from a single continuous crystal of silicon. They offer the highest efficiency (20-24%) among mainstream technologies and are identified by their uniform dark appearance.
Module Efficiency
The percentage of sunlight that a solar panel converts into electricity. Modern panels range from 15-22% efficient.