Publish Time: 2025-07-24 Origin: Site
Cadmium telluride solar cells are a top choice in thin film solar cells. They have special good and bad points. These cells use cadmium telluride as the main material. This material soaks up sunlight well. It also helps make the cells cheaper to produce. Cadmium telluride only makes up about 5% of the world’s solar market. But it is very important for big solar projects in the U.S.
| Technology | Market Share |
|---|---|
| Monocrystalline Silicon | ~60% |
| Polycrystalline Silicon | ~30% |
| CdTe Thin-Film | ~5% |
| CIGS Thin-Film | ~2% |
Terli’s story shows the real-life benefits and how well cadmium telluride solar cells work.
Cadmium telluride solar cells are cheaper to make. They use less material than silicon panels. This makes them good for big solar projects. These solar cells work well in low light. They also work well when it is hot. They keep making good power when silicon panels do not. CdTe panels are lighter than silicon panels. They can also be flexible. This lets people put them on curved or odd surfaces. People can use them on boats and old roofs. There are some problems with CdTe panels. There is not much tellurium in the world. Cadmium can be toxic and dangerous. CdTe panels do not last as long as silicon panels. Scientists and companies like Terli are working to fix these problems. They want CdTe solar cells to be safer. They also want them to work better and be better for the environment.
Cadmium telluride solar cells have a special structure. This makes them different from other solar cells. They use thin layers stacked on top of each other. The main part is cadmium telluride. It is a semiconductor with a direct bandgap of about 1.5 eV. This helps it soak up most sunlight that hits it. The cells work well even with a thin layer.
A normal cadmium telluride solar cell has several layers:
| Material | Role in CdTe Solar Cell | Contribution to Performance |
|---|---|---|
| p-type CdTe | Absorber layer | Direct bandgap ideal for absorbing most solar spectrum; high absorption coefficient reduces material use and cost. |
| n-type CdS | Window and buffer layer | Wide bandgap ensures transparency to sunlight; aids electron transport. |
| Fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) | Transparent conducting oxide (TCO) front contact | Allows photons to enter cell while collecting current efficiently. |
| Intrinsic tin oxide (i-SnO2) | High resistive transparent layer | Limits nonuniformity effects, enhancing efficiency. |
| Copper oxide (Cu2O) | Back surface field (BSF) layer | Acts as a barrier to repel carriers at back contact, reducing recombination losses and improving efficiency. |
This design lets cadmium telluride solar cells work well with less material. Using cadmium telluride helps the cells take in lots of sunlight. This is important for thin film solar cells.
Cadmium telluride solar cells are not the same as silicon solar panels. The biggest difference is in how thick and bendy they are. Cadmium telluride cells use a thin film, only 1 to 6 micrometers thick. Silicon panels use a much thicker wafer, about 180 micrometers.
| Feature | Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) Solar Cells | Traditional Silicon Solar Panels |
|---|---|---|
| Absorber Layer Thickness | Thin film, approximately 1-6 µm | Thick crystalline silicon wafer, about 180 µm |
| Absorber Material | Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) | Crystalline Silicon (monocrystalline or polycrystalline) |
| Window/Buffer Layer | Cadmium Sulfide (CdS), n-type layer | Not applicable or different materials |
| Front Contact Layer | Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) | Metal grid lines visible on the front surface |
| Back Contact Layer | Present, collects electrons and provides electrical contact | Present |
| Substrate | Glass or flexible materials, enabling flexible panels | Rigid glass substrate with frame |
| Appearance | Uniform, continuous thin film without visible metal grids | Segmented cells with visible metal grid lines |
| Flexibility | Can be manufactured as flexible thin films | Rigid panels |
Cadmium telluride solar cells look smooth and even. They can be made on bendy materials. This means they work on curved or light surfaces. Silicon panels are stiff and show metal lines. Both types use a semiconductor to turn sunlight into electricity. But the way they are built gives cadmium telluride solar cells some special benefits in certain places.
Cadmium telluride solar cells are cheaper to make. They do not need as much silicon as other solar cells. This saves money on materials. Thin-film panels use different materials instead of silicon. This makes them easier and less costly to produce. Monocrystalline silicon panels cost the most because they use more silicon and have harder steps. Polycrystalline silicon panels are a bit cheaper but still use more silicon than thin-film panels. Cadmium telluride modules have cadmium, so workers must be careful. But making these cells is still less expensive because they use fewer materials and are easier to build.
CdTe thin film solar cells use less silicon, so they cost less.
Making these cells is simpler than making silicon panels.
Lower costs make cadmium telluride solar modules good for big projects.
Cadmium telluride solar cells are better for the environment than silicon panels. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory says these panels have a lower carbon cost per watt. They use less energy and materials to make. The U.S. Department of Energy says making a cadmium telluride module creates much less carbon dioxide than a silicon one. Over 90% of the materials in these panels can be recycled. This helps the planet even more. The way these panels are made also means less air pollution and less energy use. These things make cadmium telluride solar cells a smart choice for clean energy.
Note: Cadmium telluride solar cells help the environment by lowering global warming, acid rain, and ozone problems. The chance of cadmium leaking is very low, even in tough situations.
Cadmium telluride solar cells work well outside. Studies show they make more energy than silicon cells when there is little light. Their special bandgap and spectral response help them work well in the morning, evening, and on cloudy days. In hot places, cadmium telluride cells keep working better than silicon cells. Silicon cells lose power when it gets hot. New oxide layers help these cells keep high voltage and power, even when it is hot. When there is not much light, cadmium telluride cells keep about 70-80% of their normal power. They also keep a strong open-circuit voltage. This makes them good for places with changing weather or less sunlight.
Thin-film technology makes cadmium telluride solar panels lighter and more bendable than regular silicon panels. Some glass/glass panels are heavier, but thin-film panels still have special uses. They can go on curved or odd-shaped surfaces like boats, RVs, and portable gear. Their light weight means they do not put much stress on roofs. This is good for old buildings. They are also easier to put up and move.
| Module Type | Weight Specification | Flexibility Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional c-Si (glass) | About 20 kg for a 250W panel (3.2 mm glass) | Stiff because of glass; heavy and not good for curved or tricky surfaces |
| Flexible c-Si (polymer) | 2.0–2.5 kg/m² (up to 80% lighter) | Bendable; made for curved roofs, tents, and odd shapes; easy to install |
| CdTe Thin-Film (glass/glass) | Heavier per panel (about 76.9 lbs for 470 W) | Stiff because of glass; not as bendy as polymer-based flexible c-Si panels |
Light cadmium telluride solar panels do not weigh down roofs.
Their bendy shape lets them fit on curved or odd surfaces.
They are easy to install and move, so they are great for portable and emergency use.
Cadmium Telluride(CdTe) Solar Roof Tiles System Thin Film Solar Glass Roof
Cadmium telluride solar panels are used in big projects. The Topaz Solar Farm in California is the biggest one. It has 550 MW of power and 9 million panels. This shows that the technology works well for large jobs. Companies like Terli help more people use cadmium telluride solar cells. Terli makes many solar glass products, like BIPV curtain walls, solar glass walls, roof tiles, and shade covers. These products help put solar panels into buildings and bring cadmium telluride to more places. Terli works on making their panels efficient, affordable, and easy to use. This helps more green buildings and big energy projects use cadmium telluride solar panels.
Cadmium telluride solar cells could be over 30% efficient. This is because the material absorbs sunlight very well. In labs, scientists have made cells that are more than 22% efficient. But most solar panels you can buy only reach about 18.6%. There is still a big difference between what is possible and what happens in real life. Some things stop these cells from working better. One problem is that copper doping limits how many holes there are. This keeps the open circuit voltage below 1 volt. It is also hard to make good back contacts. Scientists do not fully understand how electrons move in the layers. These problems keep cadmium telluride solar cells from reaching their best performance.
Tellurium is very rare in the Earth’s crust. It is found at about one part per billion. Most tellurium comes from copper mining as a by-product. This means we only get more tellurium if we mine more copper. The world makes about 500 metric tons of tellurium each year. But the solar industry may need more than 1,200 metric tons soon. China refines more than half of the world’s tellurium. This can cause problems with supply and politics. Recycling can get back up to 95% of tellurium from old panels. But recycling alone will not be enough for future needs. We need to invest in mining, refining, and recycling. Rules and industry plans can help keep supply steady and lower costs.
Note: There is not enough tellurium for lots of cadmium telluride solar panels.
Cadmium is very poisonous. The Environmental Protection Agency has strict rules for cadmium in water. Cadmium telluride can hurt cells and cause lung problems if breathed in or swallowed. These solar panels do not pollute during normal use. But if they are broken or thrown away wrong, they can release toxins. Old panels in landfills can sometimes leak too much cadmium, especially in certain conditions. Some places, like the EU, have rules to recycle panels and stop pollution. But many countries do not have strong rules. People worry about safety and pollution from cadmium telluride solar cells.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Cadmium is very poisonous; EPA has strict water rules; CdTe can hurt cells |
| Leaching Potential | Some landfill tests show too much cadmium |
| Regulatory Measures | EU has rules for recycling panels; many places do not |
| Environmental Impact | Bad disposal can release cadmium and tellurium; safe recycling is needed |
Cadmium telluride solar panels last about 20 to 25 years. This is a bit shorter than silicon panels, which last 25 to 30 years. Some problems can make these panels wear out faster. The materials can stretch differently when hot or cold. This can cause cracks or peeling. Flexible panels can crack if bent too much. Hot and cold weather and sunlight can damage the panels over time. More defects and problems appear as the panels get older. Copper can move from metal parts and make the panels work worse. These issues make durability important for big solar projects.
Cadmium telluride solar panels are not as common as silicon panels. They make up about 5% of the world’s solar market. Only a few companies make these panels. First Solar is the biggest one. This small supply can make it hard to get enough panels for big jobs. Recycling programs can recover most of the tellurium and cadmium from old panels. But recycling is still getting better, and not all places can handle old solar panels safely. People worry about safety and recycling problems. Making recycling better and easier will help cadmium telluride solar panels be safer and more popular.
Scientists are working to make cadmium telluride solar cells better. Teams at Colorado State University and the Institute of Technology Bombay made a new solar cell. This cell has perovskite and cadmium telluride layers together. It reached a record efficiency of 24.2%. Scientists want to make it even higher, maybe 27% or more. They are also trying new things like alloyed CdSexTe1-x absorbers. They are switching from copper to arsenic doping. These changes help charge carriers last longer and make the modules stronger. Lab cells now have over 22% efficiency. Commercial modules can reach up to 18.6%. The biggest challenge is making these improvements work for lots of panels.
Scientists want to use less tellurium but keep good performance. They design ultrathin CdTe solar cells that need less material. These cells still work well. They also make cadmium zinc telluride alloys to improve the film and use less tellurium. Scientists look for better ways to get tellurium from mining. They try new doping methods too. Some groups use CdSeTe alloys and better back contacts to get more energy. These steps help make the supply chain safer and production more steady.
The solar industry is making panels safer and better for the planet. New soldering uses tin-bismuth instead of toxic stuff. Glass-glass panels do not need polymer backsheets. This makes them stronger and safer. Japanese engineers found a way to remove toxic cadmium layers during production. Industry rules and recycling programs are getting better. This makes factories cleaner and safer for workers. Studies show these changes lower global warming and help panels last longer. This is good for the environment.
Terli is a leader in green cadmium telluride solar technology. The company uses thin CdTe absorbers to save material and money. Terli adds a tellurium layer at the back to boost voltage and efficiency. Their bilayer CdSeTe/Te cells give more current. The MgZnO buffer layer lets in more light and helps electrons move. Terli gets cadmium and tellurium from mining leftovers. This cuts waste and helps the environment. Their thin-film process uses less energy and fewer materials. This supports a cleaner future for solar power.
Cadmium telluride solar cells have some big advantages. They cost less to make and work well. Their design can also bend or flex. But there are some problems too. It is hard to get enough materials. Cadmium can be very harmful. People should think about a few things:
How much the panels cost and how well they turn sunlight into power
Rules for the environment and how to recycle safely
How the market is growing and how silicon panels compete
New ideas and research happening now
Companies like Terli keep making better and safer CdTe solar cells. Using these facts can help people pick the best solar panels.
CdTe solar cells use a thin film to catch sunlight. Silicon panels use thick silicon pieces. CdTe panels are lighter and sometimes bendy. Silicon panels are heavy and stiff.
CdTe panels are safe when used the right way. The toxic parts stay sealed inside the panel. Good recycling and careful handling stop harm to nature. Safety rules help make and throw away panels safely.
Most CdTe solar panels work for 20 to 25 years. How long they last depends on weather and care. Checking them often helps them last longer.
Yes, recycling can get back most cadmium and tellurium. The recycling process keeps getting better. Recycling cuts down on waste and helps the planet.
CdTe solar cells work well when it is hot outside. They lose less power than silicon panels in heat. This makes them good for sunny and warm places.
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