Thin-Film vs. Traditional Solar Panels: A Comprehensive Pros and Cons Comparison

Investing your hard-earned money in something asks for solid knowledge about that particular thing. At times, you can’t have knowledge or expertise about everything. However, you can contact someone who has knowledge about the thing you want to buy. Here, at Sunburn Solar, we have all the details about solar panels, their different types, and their benefits as well as disadvantages. And we are more than happy to share with you everything we know and assist you in solar panel installation.

Let’s start a comprehensive guide about thin-film vs. traditional solar panels and their pros and cons.

What is a thin-film solar panel?

Thin-film solar panels can be called the latest technology as they are upgraded versions of traditional solar panels. The process of making a thin-film solar panel involves depositing a thin layer of photovoltaic material onto a substrate such as glass, plastic, or metal. Different types of materials are used in thin-film solar panels; some of the materials are mentioned below:

• Amorphous silicon (a-Si): It is a non-crystalline form of silicone. Mostly, it is used for its flexibility and lightweight features.
• Cadmium Telluride (CdTe): This material has distinctive features such as a high absorption rate and cost-effectiveness.
• Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS): This material is used widely because of its strong performance in low-light conditions.

Pros

• Thin-film solar panels are light-weight and flexible and become the perfect option where weight becomes a concerning issue. Used widely on houses with small rooftops.
• They can generate more power when the sun is in full power and hence become the perfect option for Australian homes.
• These solar panels prove to be cost-effective because of their lower manufacturing costs.
• They won’t ruin your roof’s aesthetics as they have perfect fitting and no visible grid lines.

Cons

• They have low efficiency and need more solar panels to generate power in comparison to traditional solar panels.
• Thin-film solar panels’ life span is around 10-15 years, which is also low compared to traditional solar panels.
• It gets degraded over time and leads to lower power generation.
• These panels are not manufactured as often as traditional panels and hence limit the availability.

What are traditional solar panels?

Traditional solar panels have two types and are widely preferred by residential and commercial solar panel installation. Two types are monocrystalline and polycrystalline. They are made from silicon wafers. Their key features are that these two are rigid and durable and hence become the perfect option for everyone.

• Monocrystalline Solar Panels: These panels are made from single silicon crystal, offering high efficiency and a sleek appearance.
• Polycrystalline Solar Panels: These panels are made of multiple silicon crystals. Because of this type, it becomes more affordable than monocrystalline, but compared to that, it generates less power.

Pros

• No one can beat monocrystalline solar panels when it comes to generating more energy. They are 20% more efficient than any other panels and generate more energy.
• They are the perfect option when you are thinking about long-term investment. Usually, they last for 20–25 years of their manufacturing.
• As they generate more energy, they mitigate the need for more solar panels for more energy.
• Few panels generate less energy and hence are perfect for small spaces where you can’t install many panels.

Cons

• As it is made with a complex manufacturing process, it costs a bit more than any other solar panel installation.
• These panels are heavier and rigid and need strong support for installation.
• It works in a contradictory manner and their performance can slightly drop in hot weather conditions.

Major differences between thin-film and traditional solar panels.

• Efficiency: Thin film is 10-12% efficient in generating energy, whereas traditional solar panels generate 15-22% energy and more power for you to use.
• Cost: Thin film solar panels have a lower initial cost but if you are thinking about traditional solar panels, then you might need more capital to invest for1 installation.
• Installation: Usually, thin film solar panels are light weight and can be installed with ease. But traditional solar panels need proper support and mounting.
• Durability: In aspects of durability, one must choose traditional solar panels, they are the perfect option compared to thin-film.
• Aesthetics: If you are someone who wants to maintain their aesthetics, then thin films are best for you as they offer a sleek design with a uniform look. Traditional solar panels are big and bulkier and might not go with your aesthetics.
• Performance in low light: Thin films perform well in all weather conditions, whereas traditional solar panel performance varies as per different seasons.
• Space requirement: If you have more space, then only you can choose thin films because they require more space. But you can always choose traditional solar panels, as they have higher efficiency and can generate more power with fewer panels.

These are the major differences one may consider while installing solar panels for their residential and commercial space.

Conclusion

We hope that we may have helped you with your confusion about thin film solar panels and traditional solar panels. Well, there are still some more solar panel options you can consider. You can contact Sunburn Solar, and we will be happy to evaluate your energy needs, based on your budget, and offer the perfect solar panels for your residential and commercial space.