Thin-Film Solar Panels: What You Need to Know

What are thin-film solar panels?

The term “thin-film solar panels” is somewhat self-explanatory. It refers to solar-electricity-generating products that are thin, lightweight and low-profile. Your first interaction with thin-film solar cells may have been on a pocket calculator or a solar-powered lawn light. Now, that technology is used in everything from household devices to commercial building materials.

Thin-film solar panels are made by adding very thin layers of special material onto surfaces like glass, plastic or metal.

According to Solar Magazine, thin-film solar panels made up only 10% of the photovoltaic (PV) market in 2022. However, the technology's paper-thin appearance has caught the attention of many people going solar. “A lot of people ask about thin-film solar panels, even if they don’t really know what they are called,” Perry Meek, a project developer with Cal Solar, explained to us.

How thin-film solar panels work

Thin-film solar panels turn sunlight into electricity using ultra-thin layers of special materials called photovoltaics (PV).

1. Light absorption: When sunlight hits the thin layer, the PV material absorbs the energy.
2. Electron movement: This energy knocks electrons loose, creating an electric current.
3. Power flow: Wires and circuits capture this current and send it out as usable electricity.

Pros and cons of thin-film solar panels

Compared with traditional, rigid solar panels, thin-film solar panels present several advantages and disadvantages.

Thin-film solar panel advantages

Thin-film solar panels are often flexible and sometimes transparent, making them one of the most versatile forms of renewable energy generation in research and development today.

Because thin-film panels are lightweight and can contour to a variety of surfaces, products using this technology present unique solutions for powering buildings, vehicles and other interesting applications.

Thin-film solar panels’ subtle appearance can make them more aesthetically pleasing than bulky rooftop panels.

One solar energy customer, Robin in New Jersey, told us, “I finally went with the Tesla Solar Roof (tiles not panels) and I couldn't be happier. I needed a new roof anyway so decided to get it with 2 PowerWall backup batteries. The product looks amazing and IMO is the best-looking solar product on the market right now.”

Thin-film solar panel disadvantages

The bad news is that thin-film solar panels aren’t perfect. Most thin-film products have shorter lifespans and lower efficiency levels than comparable conventional solar panels. Because of this, you’ll generally need a larger amount of space to install thin-film panels, whereas more efficient panels could take advantage of a smaller area.

Types of thin-film solar panels

While solar shingles and roof tiles are perhaps the most popular thin-film solar products, these building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are really just the tip of the iceberg for the technology.

• Amorphous silicon (a-Si): Also called flexible solar panels, this type has lower material costs than traditional solar panels, making it a cost-effective choice. However, it has a lower power production efficiency and requires a large installation space. Additionally, the lifespan of these panels is shorter than most other types of solar panels.
• Cadmium telluride (CdTe): These panels are easy to manufacture. There is a lot of ongoing research to improve their efficiency, making them a promising option for the future. However, as of now, they have low efficiency levels. Another downside is that they contain toxic and hard-to-source materials.
• Copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS): These panels have the highest efficiency levels of thin-film panels in various conditions and are flexible, making them suitable for many different applications. However, their research and availability are limited but progressing. They are also more expensive to produce than other thin-film and rigid panels.
• Organic photovoltaic (OPV): These panels are cheap and easy to produce and install. They are environmentally friendly, thin and lightweight. However, they have very low efficiency levels and don’t last as long.

Within each type of thin-film solar panel, there are also a variety of unique innovations manufacturers use to create new and better-performing products. For instance, several companies are developing thin-film bifacial solar panels, which are able to harness sunlight on both the top and bottom surfaces of the panels for a greater overall electricity yield.

» MORE: Types of solar panels

How much do thin-film solar panels cost?

In general, you can expect to pay somewhere between $3,000 and $9,000 for a residential thin-film solar panel installation on an average-size home. Thin-film solar panels require significantly less equipment to install than rigid solar panels, which can make them cheaper overall, especially if you do it yourself.

Thin-film solar panels last 10 to 20 years, while traditional solar panels last 25 to 30 years.

However, there is a lot of variation between different manufacturers and products, and some installations will need more equipment than others. Also, in addition to the cost of the panels, you may have to pay extra for labor, permitting and other components of your solar energy system, like an inverter.

Thin-film solar panel price per watt

Considering all the different technologies and price points available, thin-film solar panels typically cost 50 cents to $1.50 per watt, not including installation or other associated costs. To put this in perspective, buying enough solar panels to assemble an average-size 6-kilowatt thin-film solar panel system would cost between $3,000 and $9,000.

It’s difficult to put that price range in context because, compared with traditional solar panels, thin-film solar panels may be cheaper or more expensive, depending on the technology involved.

For example, while a sheet of amorphous silicon (a-Si) or Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) thin-film solar panels is usually priced lower than rigid alternatives, Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide (CIGS) thin-film panels tend to be more expensive.

Pro tip

The lifespan of your equipment plays a big part in your ultimate return on investment. So, even if thin-film solar panels are less expensive than rigid solar panels initially, they may be less cost-effective over the long term if they don’t last as long.

» RELATED: What is the ROI on solar panels?

Thin-film vs. crystalline solar panels

Thin-film solar panels generate electricity the same way as regular solar panels, but they use very thin layers of PV material instead of thick silicon crystals. Compared to traditional solar panels, thin-film solar panels are:

• Less efficient: They are generally about 10% to 13%. Standard crystalline silicon panels average 15% to 22% efficiency.
• Usually cheaper: They cost less to produce but may require more space for the same power output.
• Less durable: Thin-film panels are prone to degradation over time, with shorter lifespans than silicon panels.

Are thin-film solar panels worth it?

Thin-film solar panels are worth it for flexible, mobile or low-cost solar projects where space and maximum efficiency aren’t priorities.

• Lightweight or flexible needs: Perfect for RVs, boats, curved roofs or portable solar products.
• Low-cost projects: They’re generally cheaper to make and buy than traditional panels.
• Hot climates or shade: Some thin-film panels perform better than silicon panels in high heat or low light.
• Space isn’t an issue: If you have plenty of roof or ground space, their lower efficiency may not matter.

When are thin-film solar panels not worth it?

If you want the highest output and durability for a home or business, traditional silicon panels are usually the smarter choice.

• Limited space: Thin-film panels produce less electricity per square foot, so you’d need more panels (and space) to match standard solar output.
• Long-term investment: They usually don’t last as long as traditional crystalline silicon panels, which can mean lower lifetime savings.
• Maximizing efficiency: If your goal is to get the most power from a small area, traditional panels are better.

FAQ

Bottom line

Although the technology has come a long way, many people still find that traditional solar panels remain the most cost-effective solution for on-site renewable energy generation. With that said, if the aesthetics of your installation are more important to you, thin-film solar panels may be the better option.

To determine whether or not thin-film solar panels are right for you, consider their pros and cons and contact some solar energy companies in your area. Get quotes from multiple providers, including estimates for projects that use rigid solar panels, so that you can compare all of your options and make a smart purchase.