These cells are built by depositing one or more thin layers or thin film (TF) of photovoltaic material on a substrate, such as glass, plastic, or metal. The thickness of the film varies from a few nanometers (nm) to tens of micrometers (µm). There are two main types of thin-film PV semiconductors on the market today: cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). Both. thin-film solar cell Thin-film solar cells, such as those used in solar panels, convert light energy into electrical energy. Student at West High School, Iowa City, Iowa. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of. Thin-film solar technology has been around for more than 4 decades and has proved itself by providing many versatile and unique applications that crystalline silicon solar cells cannot achieve.
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