Midsummer Energy sells a range of thin-film solar panels, from 70 watts up to 500 watts. Prices start at £185 for its 70-watt Peel-and-Stick panels, which are ideal for caravans and narrowboats. The 500-watt panels will cost you £1,275 each, and have a 16% efficiency rating — higher than most thin-film panels.
Thin-film solar panels are one of many different types of solar panels that can help cut costs and emissions. They have been around for more than four decades – and they’re more accessible than ever. Their thinness gives them a unique advantage over standard solar panels, though that doesn’t mean they’re perfect.
Thin-film solar cells are cheaper than traditional solar cells that are made from crystalline silicon. On the other hand, thin-film cells, for example, CdTe-based solar cells need far less raw material (up to 100 times less), and lesser manufacturing cost than silicon cells. Thin-film cells also absorb sunlight at nearly the ideal wavelength.
More space needed considering the current level of efficiency. Nearly 50% more space is required for installing thin-film solar cells to generate the same amount of electricity as traditional solar panels. Heat retention is high.
Thin-film solar cell modules are reaching the market in accelerating quantities, giving the opportunity for these potentially lower cost approaches to establish their credentials.
Here are a few companies that provide thin-film solar panels. Midsummer Energy sells a range of thin-film solar panels, from 70 watts up to 500 watts. Prices start at £185 for its 70-watt Peel-and-Stick panels, which are ideal for caravans and narrowboats.