Thin-Film solar panels are less efficient and have lower power capacities than mono and polycrystalline solar cell types. The efficiency of the Thin-Film system varies depending on the type of PV material used in the cells but in general they tend to have efficiencies around 7% and up to 18%.
When we look at “how much energy do thin film solar panels produce per year”, it does vary based on climatic conditions, the type of thin-film technology, and the system’s design and installation. However, a well-designed and installed system can generate between 10-12% of its rated capacity over the course of the year.
Despite initial challenges with efficient light conversion, especially among third-generation PV materials, as of 2023 some thin-film solar cells have reached efficiencies of up to 29.1% for single-junction thin-film GaAs cells, exceeding the maximum of 26.1% efficiency for standard single-junction first-generation solar cells.
Thin-film solar panels work by capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity, just like any other PV panel. The key difference lies in their thickness - thin-film solar panels are typically around 2-3 millimetres thick, whereas a traditional crystalline silicon solar panel is about 30-50 millimetres thick.
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.
A solar panel’s ‘efficiency’ refers to the percentage of sunlight hitting the panel that is being converted into electricity - so the higher the percentage, the better. Compared to the typical 18-24% efficiency of monocrystalline solar panels, thin-film solar panels are around 7-13% efficient, which is significantly lower.