Thin-film solar panels are lightweight photovoltaic panels made by depositing one or more layers of photovoltaic material (such as amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, or CIGS) onto a substrate like glass, metal, or plastic. Unlike crystalline panels, thin-film cells are flexible, lightweight, and can cover large areas, making them suitable for applications where traditional rigid panels are less practical.
Although they generally have lower efficiency (around 10β12%) compared to monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels, thin-film panels perform well in low-light conditions and high temperatures, and they can be integrated into building materials such as windows, roofs, or facades.