Thin-film Solar Panels
Due to rising energy costs, various cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions, such as solar energy, are on the rise. One of the newest advancements in solar panels is thin-film solar panels. According to Sam Greyhawk, "thin-film solar panels use a manufacturing process which involves applying multiple thin layers of a sunlight reactive substance onto a base material."
Because of the thin design, these panels can be incorporated into roof tiles, as well as other areas of a constructed unit. This makes them more versatile than traditional solar panel units. With most benefits, there comes disadvantages, and this applies to these panels, as well. Although they are improving in their efficiency rating, they are still slightly below that of traditional panels.
Priced competitively at to per watt, these panels use the same solar energy concept. Sunlight is transformed into energy, allowing the solar panel user to profit from the availability of a commodity that is free to use. If you live in an area that is blessed with a great deal of sunlight, utilizing the sun's power may be an option that is right for you. In light of the seemingly never ending cost of energy bills, using alternative energy sources is something to look into.
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
Are there any thin-film solar panels that can be walked on?
I need some thin-film solar panels that could be put on a roof or on a boat and walked on. Would it be possible to put something over the panels such that I'm not actually stepping on the panels but on a clear plastic?Also, does anyone know who produces such a solar panel?
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ANSWER:
There are some portable rollable or flexible options that may meet your needs if your power and energy requirements are minimal.so your choices are few, and scale and implementation may be problematic.
thin film modules that are flexible are generally made of amorphous silicon (aSi), but there are other foldable varieties that are made of copper, indium, gallium, di-selenide compounds (CIGS). uni-solar makes laminates that are intended for installation in the seams of a standing seam metal roof. people have been known to use them for other things, but to the best of my knowledge the are not listed for other applications. they have a crazy adhesive on the back which limits their cross utilization.
hope that helps
james
altestore.com staff
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QUESTION:
What are nanotechnology thin-film solar panels?
where can i find info on this?-
ANSWER:
I'm not familiar with the details, but maybe you can get some information from the Nanosolar web site?
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QUESTION:
Have you heard of thin film solar technology?
I think this is very interesting:"within ten years, solar will undercut coal, natural gas, and nuclear by 50%...The crucial tipping point, says Evans-Prichard, is the per watt point: the current price of most non-renewable energy sources. Current solar technology puts the price of solar power at about to per watt. Anil Sethi of Flisom foresees his thin-film solar panels reaching $.80/watt in five years, and $.50/watt within ten.
Thin film solar modules don’t use the costly, and limited, silicon that we are used to. The technology is based on CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) arranged on a flexible backing, suitable for not only the tops, but also the sides of buildings, tinted windows, cell phones, notebook computers, cars, and even clothing."
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/02/thinfilm-solar-clobbering-oil.php
Have you heard of this advancement in solar technology? Sounds very promising.
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ANSWER:
What might help solar really take off is to make it widely available (like in home improvement stores). For instance, I would buy a small solar panel and battery unit that I could plug something small into, like the pump for my pond. Even though it costs me more (initially) than plugging into the existing outlet, I would buy it because I know it is better for the environment.
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QUESTION:
Where to buy? Thin film photovoltaic laminate solar panels? I want to install them myself?-
ANSWER:
You can get amorphous silicon panels at the link below. However, be warned that thin film is generally NOT the choice most people make, because it degrades rapidly.http://www.atensolar.com/1.html?m5:cat=%2FA-Si%20Panels
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QUESTION:
what's the difference between different types of solar panels.?
i was wondering if anyone can compare the differnce between the solar panels types like thin film panels, string ribbon silicon, Cast Poly Silicon, Polycrystalline silicon panels, and mono crystalline silicon panels. thankyou-
ANSWER:
Single crystal silicon solar cells have been the most widely used. They are also the most expensive form of solar cell and are largely responsible for solar energy's reputation as costly.Polycrystalline solar cells are cheaper than single crystal silicon solar cells but not as effective in energy conversion.
Thin film technology has the distinct advantage of being easier to mass produce than crystal cell technology. It costs less, though its durability is questionable. Thin film is also less efficient than crystal silicon, according to most sources.
Single crystal and polycrystalline cells can each last several generations while thin film is newer technology - less costly but also less durable.
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