Thin film solar panels are over 300 times smaller than silicon solar panels that are traditionally used for producing electricity from the sun.
Cadmium telluride is the most widely used substrate for manufacturing these panels that have an efficiency range of between 11 and 15 percent. The manufacturing process stacks several layers of photovoltaic material on a thin film.
These solar panels made with thin-film are very light in weight and thus do not require any supporting frames. It has also made them cheaper than the traditional solar panels. Less silicon use has made them kinder to the environment. Installation costs are lower, and the ease of installation makes them ideal for use in almost any situation, with only a need to have them facing the sun at all times.
They require larger installation areas and are thus more geared towards commercial applications.
