What are the current solar panel technologies?
Crystalline silicon solar cells are the most efficient converters of sunlight to electricity. Typically crystalline silicon solar panel consists of a transparent glass surface, an ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulant, a Tedlar rear layer, and an aluminum outer frame. Thin-film solar cells are easier and less expensive than crystalline silicon cells because it requires less semiconductor material. The three principal thin-film technologies are amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). These processes produce high-efficiency modules that can be built directly into roofing shingles for aesthetic architectural considerations. String-ribbon manufacturing combines both conventional crystalline silicon and emerging thin film technology. The high-temperature, molten process provides twice the yield over conventional solar cell construction.
