Flexible film home solar panels are an exciting new addition to the choices available to generate power for residential homes. Those who are interested in green technologies and economic efficiencies are doing research online to learn more about this new method of incorporating solar energy into the home setting.
Sometimes called thin film or foldable solar cells, there have been a lot of research and technological advances in this material in the past five years or so. Some think that these flexible panels may even eventually replace the traditional larger and clunkier solar panels that are in common use today.
Traditional solar cells are expensive to manufacture and are similar in construction methods to silicon computer chips. This means that the manufacturing process involves using many tiny parts that have to be soldered together. On the other hand, the flexible solar cells are put together in a method that is more similar to traditional printing operations, where materials are applied in layers to a base material that is usually a flexible plastic or metal.
Thin film panels have great durability because they are bendable and flexible and and make it easier to maintain your home solar panels. Traditional panels have used silicon that is inflexible and somewhat brittle, needing to be protected and surrounded by glass or aluminum. Flexible panels have also been found to perform better under hotter conditions, a huge benefit for homeowners installing the panels on their roofs. In extremely hot areas, some traditional solar panels have problems with reduced voltage levels. These thin panels can be installed flush on roofs and walls.
The flexible nature of these solar cells lends itself to far more numerous application options. Homeowners are excited about the way thin film can be applied directly onto roof tiles/shingles, and even siding and windows. The technology is being explored for use on boats and cars too.
Perhaps the biggest drawback of traditional solar panels has been their bulky heavy size and weight. Particularly for the do-it-yourselfer, traditionally the installation of solar panels meant the panels have to be lifted up onto a roof and then maneuvered into place; all while several stories off the ground. This has not been a job for the faint of heart or those with any fear of heights. The lightness of the flexible film is a boon to residential use and installation. Not only is the thin film great for these purposes but it can also be used on portable items like camping trailers, boating items and the like.
The solar field has experienced huge advancements is all of its facets in recent years and research and improvements are being made on almost a daily basis. Flexible film is at the forefront of efficiency advancements. When first introduced, thin film had 5-10% efficiency, meaning that only 5 to 10 percent of the sunlight hitting the solar panel could be converted into electricity. The rate today is a solid 15% and is sneaking up on 20% very rapidly.
Flexible film panels are one of three different technologies. The first is called thin film silicon and uses a process that mirrors the more traditional rigid solar panels. Silicon is applied to flexible plastic or metal and then has a protective layer on top of this. This is the least efficient of the new flexible panels but is still far less expensive to manufacture. The main drawback is that using this type of flexible panel requires a lot more space than traditional panels to generate the same amount of power, not a great choice for smaller structures.
The second technology has a tongue twister of a name, Cadmium Telluride. It is not as widely used or available as its silicon sister. It cost less to manufacture this type of solar cell but it is even less efficient. Further, the materials in these cells have toxic properties and this brings into question the true ‘green-ness” of these cells. Because of the economic benefits, research into long-term effects continues.
The technology that is favored most is called CIGS, which stands for copper indium gallium (di)selenide. It is obvious why the full name of this product is rarely used in favor of the abbreviation or acronym. Because of CIGS’s high efficiency rate of nearly 20%, it is seen as the best hope for bringing the cost of solar down to more traditional power sources. Major corporations like Shell Oil and Honda are extremely interested in this technology and have invested in its use.
Flexible film home solar panels are increasingly becoming the choice of homeowners in renovations and new construction. Deciding what is the best home solar panels solution for you is not easy. Take some time to explore the many options that are available to find the product that best suits your personal home and economic factors. The choices are numerous and there is a technology available to fit almost every solar panel need and situation.
