Thin Film Solar Technology
Thin-film solar technology is a lightweight and increasingly affordable type of solar technology. You may already use thin-film solar technology without knowing it.
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Identification
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Thin-film solar technology is constructed of thin, flexible pieces of photovoltaic silicone. Photovoltaic means that the material is able to convert sun to electricity. Solar calculators and outdoor solar lighting are examples of products that utilize thin-film solar technology.
Benefits
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Thin-film solar panels are much smaller and weigh less than solar panels constructed of solid silicone. Thin-film cells are so light that they can be put on the outside of a helium balloon and launched into the sky to collect solar energy.
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Cost
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Thin-film solar technology carries a high cost compared to other methods of renewable energy. According to Treehugger.com, thin-film solar technology costs $3 to $4 per watt, while most sources of renewable energy average $1 per watt.
Potential
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Anil Sethi, from Flisom, a company that produces--and whose name stands for-- flexible and lightweight solar modules, thinks costs will be as low as 80 cents per watt within five years and predicts that costs will continue to decline, reaching 50 cents per watt within 10 years.
Versatility
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Thin-film solar panels can be used to gather sun electricity in small spaces.
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