Solar Panel Advances

Solar Panel Advances
Thin Film Photovoltaics (TFPV)

The newest frontier is solar cells belongs to the "thin film" category and is dye-based. It uses materials that are much less expensive than silicon-based or other thin-film solar cell technologies. Research and development is currently underway in several countries around the globe to produce dye-sensitized solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity as efficiently as the solar cells which are currently available in the consumer marketplace. Once this efficiency is reached, this new generation of cheaper and smaller solar cells will be able to be incorporated into to be consumer products such as windows and exterior paints.



Thin Film Shingles

Thin film shingles are a type of solar panel that can be integrated into existing composition or tile roofing systems. They are the same size as a roofing shingle and eliminate the need for a separate solar array and racking system. For this reason, they are a good choice for tract or custom housing developments which have strict design guidelines prohibiting large solar array installations on the roof or on the ground. As long as the roof faces the sun for enough hours during the day to produce electricity, they can be successfully used in areas of high density housing. Thin film technology has advanced far enough that it can produce electricity even in geographical areas which experience a lot of cloudy or foggy weather.



Thin Film Laminates

Thin film laminates encapsulate solar cells into a flexible, lightweight polymer product that allows light transmission but is resistant to ultra violet rays so that it does not break down like many plastics under long term exposure to direct sunlight. It is manufactured in rolls (like rolled roofing material) and can be easily applied to the types of flat roofs that are commonly used in commercial buildings. Unlike conventional solar array mounting systems which require anchors, the thin film laminates are made with self-adhesive backing that does not require penetrating the roof with screws or bolts.



Thin Film Windows and Walls

Semi transparent photovoltaic panels that can be used as a substitute for glass in windows, walls and skylights is already being commercially manufactured and used successfully. The technology is formally known as Building Integrated Photovoltaics (or BIPV) and currently it's most effective application is when used on large scale surfaces such as business, government and educational campus offices and classrooms.



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