Thin Film Solar - Less Expensive Than Using Silicon

Thin film solar is a form of photovoltaic technology that doesn't require the use of much silicon. It requires the use of less than one percent of the silicon that is used in the production of the typical wafer based technology. Since it is the multicrystalline and polycrystalline that is so expensive, the use of thin film solar technology significantly lowers the cost of solar power systems.

Currently (2009), solar power systems are still not cost-efficient for home owners unless there is some form of government rebate involved. Because of this, there is a great deal of research taking place looking for alternatives to the expensive and scarce silicon that is currently used in solar panel production. The rising costs of oil may change some of this as different technologies are being studied to lower the cost of manufacturing solar power equipment and the purchase price of such systems. Thin film solar technology is one of the technologies being researched.

Thin film solar uses non-silicon conductor technology. Instead of using silicon, the thin film solar technology uses what are called CIGS. This stands for copper, indium, gallium and selenium which are in more abundant supply than the sparse silicon is. The CIGS are less expensive than silicon and makes the solar cells cheaper to produce. The problem is that it isn't as efficient as the silicon based solar cells. The solar cells based on this technology are more expensive to produce which negates some of the cost saving mentioned above.

The thin film solar technology uses a roll to roll process like the one involved in printing money. This technology represents one of the most promising in the search for an alternative to fossil fuels. As the price of oil increases, solar energy systems will become more cost comparable to the per watt cost of purchased electricity and more people will consider solar power as an alternative.