Advanced thin-film is another term for third-generation solar cells. First generation cells include crystalline silicon wafer cells, which are the most efficient cells out today but also have high manufacturing costs. Second generation, or thin-film cells, have low manufacturing costs but also low efficiencies. Third-generation advanced thin-film solar cells aim to break both of those barriers. The widely accepted goal of this third chapter of solar research and development is to produce a cheap solar cell that is highly efficient.
There is no specific type of solar cell that defines advanced thin-film technology. Generally, however, solar cells falling into this category include polymer solar cells and those using biomimetics (non-semiconductor cells), quantum dot, tandem cells, nanotechnology, infrared and other technologies in development.
Ironically, advanced thin-film solar cells are not that advanced, although the technology they inhabit is at the cutting edge of solar development. Potential products include solar paints, inks and spray-on solar cells that could spawn applications as revolutionary as solar windows, solar siding, solar clothing, solar cells that collect energy at night, and many, many others.
Simply put, advanced thin-film solar cells are at the forefront of the race for a low-cost (incentive-free) high-efficiency solar cell. If and when the long-awaited technological breakthrough that officially sends home solar power into the limelight occurs, expect it to come in the form of an advanced thin-film solar cell.
Plastic Solar Cells / Foil Solar Cells / Carbon Solar Cells / Polymer Solar Cells / Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells / Silicon Solar Cells / Nanocrystal / Organic / Spray-on Solar Cells / Advanced Thin-Film Solar Cells / Thin-Film Solar Cells / Carbon Nanotube Solar Cells / Quantum Dot Solar Cells / Multi-Junction Solar Cells / Hybrid Solar Cells / 3-D Solar Cells