CdTe’s relatively low temperature coefficient protects performance at higher temperatures. [37] In 2013, First Solar acquired GE's thin film solar panel technology in exchange for a 1.8% stake in the company. [41] At this time, the company projected average production line module efficiency for its CdTe PV to be 17% by 2017, but by 2016, they predicted a module efficiency closer to ~19.5%. Companies involved in CdTe solar panel production, a key thin-film panel technology. In the journal, “Progress in Photovoltaics," it reported that male and female rats that received CT through ingestion did not gain weight as they normally should have. [35], In its early years First Solar suffered setbacks, and initial module efficiencies were modest, about 7%. That claim has been contradicted by the previously-mentioned Stuttgart research scientists who found cadmium from solar panels “can be almost completely washed out…over a period of several months…by rainwater.” 2014 CdTe module costs were about $72 per 1 square metre (11 sq ft),[45] or about $90 per module. Amorphous silicon cells, like c-Si cells, are made of non-toxic silicon but differ in the chemical form that the silicon takes. To get briefly technical, crystalline silicon cells are made of silicon in an ordered crystal lattice, while amorphous silicon takes on a loose, disordered arrangement. BP used electrodeposition (inherited from Monosolar by a circuitous route when it purchased SOHIO, Monosolar's acquirer). Despite the small amounts of Cd that may leach out, CdTe modules have low overall leachability as the hazardous materials within them are encased within two layers of glass. Made more conductive for PV, tin oxide became and remains the norm in CdTe PV modules. On a lifecycle basis, CdTe PV has the smallest carbon footprint, lowest water use and shortest energy payback time of any current photo voltaic technology. [71], Success of cadmium telluride PV has been due to the low cost achievable with the CdTe technology, made possible by combining adequate efficiency with lower module area costs. [citation needed] Including Antec, their total production represents less than 70 megawatts per year. RESOLVED relies on mainly mechanical treatments. [71], As of 2013 the recycling costs for CdTe modules are higher than the re-sale of recycled materials. In c-Si panels, Si is the light absorber layer; it takes 4% of the total mass and is connected to the backsheet by soldering copper wires onto them. The technique relies on … Do solar panels contain toxic chemicals? [59][60] Certain undersea ridges are rich in tellurium. This makes solar cells difficult to recycle, since it will take considerable energy to extract hazardous metals. [71], The overall Cd air emission estimates can range from 0.02 to 0.5 grams per gigawatt-hour. The term solar panel is used colloquially for a photo-voltaic (PV) module.. A PV module is an assembly of photo-voltaic cells mounted in a framework for installation. In fact, it often costs companies more to recycle a solar panel than to produce a solar panel. [28], CdTe start-ups include Calyxo[29] (formerly owned by Q-Cells), PrimeStar Solar, in Arvada, Colorado (acquired by First Solar from GE),[30] Arendi (Italy). Because of this difference, amorphous silicon can be deposited onto flexible substrates to make solar cells. Solar panel subsidy programs ignore the costs of disposal of solar panel waste. Cadmium telluride solar cell, also called cadmium telluride photovoltaic or cadmium telluride thin film, a photovoltaic device that produces electricity from light by using a thin film of cadmium telluride (CdTe). If you’re a homeowner who is thinking about installing solar panels, you might be wondering: what exactly is inside that sheet of glass? None of these have any toxicity concerns, with the possible exception of a very small amount of lead used in the wiring solder. [32], The major commercial success was by Solar Cells Incorporated (SCI). The toxicity of cadmium is an environmental concern mitigated by the recycling of CdTe modules at the end of their life time,[7] though there are still uncertainties regarding the recycling of CdTe modules[8][9] and the public opinion is skeptical towards this technology. In one 2003 study, researchers drew attention to the fact that cadmium is the benefactor of special environmental treatment, which allows solar energy to be more economically efficient (as far as that word quite applies to solar energy even in the current state of subsidization). Do you have a battery-powered tool, like a drill or dustbuster? According to the study: In other words, cadmium telluride is less of a hazard than metallic cadmium, and even in exceptional cases like a fire, the risks are relatively low. But that doesn’t mean that the CIGS molecule has the same health risks. [70] Emissions from fossil fuels that impact global climates such as Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) are not emitted from PV. It is not just the company that has high hopes for the modules, either. [64] The glass plates surrounding CdTe material sandwiched between them (as in all commercial modules) seal during a fire and do not allow any cadmium release unless the glass is broken. [26] Golden Photon held the record for a short period for the best CdTe module measured at NREL at 7.7% using a spray deposition technique. CdTe solar cells are the second most common photovoltaic (PV) technology in the world marketplace after crystalline silicon, currently representing 5% of the world market. Thin films are based on using thinner semiconductor layers to absorb and convert sunlight. [1] Cadmium telluride PV is the only thin film technology with lower costs than conventional solar cells made of crystalline silicon in multi-kilowatt systems.[1][2][3]. An important step forward occurred when cells were scaled-up in size to make larger area products called modules. The rest of a solar panel is made of the aluminum frame, a glass cover, a couple layers called the encapsulant and backsheet which are made of various plastics, and the wiring. [23] Monosolar[24] and AMETEK[25] used electrodeposition, a popular early method. Instead, the PV market reached some 4 gigawatts in 2007 with crystalline silicon comprising almost 90% of sales. A free ebook for homeowners to help you understand solar [4][5][6] CdTe's energy payback time of less than a year allows for faster carbon reductions without short-term energy deficits. Buying Solar For Your Home: The Complete Matsushita started with screen printing but shifted in the 1990s to CSS. They are a type of crystalline defect. One of the product categories that you might expect to find widespread use of thin-film cells is for portable power charging devices, but even this is still dominated by c-Si. To meet ambitious national and international emissions reduction targets like the Paris Agreement, low-carbon technologies are essential. Improper disposal of PV modules can release toxic materials into the environment. incentives. [33] McMaster championed CdTe for its high-rate, high-throughput processing. We offer 3 ways to find the right contractor for you. [50] In addition, depending on the Tracker Energy Gain, the overall eco-efficiency of the PV system can be enhanced by lowering both system costs and environmental impacts. MiaSolé, a company based in California but owned by a Chinese parent, also manufactures CIGS cells. But there’s little risk to you, because it’s safely packaged inside a durable housing. These products required higher currents than small cells and it was found that an additional layer, called a transparent conducting oxide (TCO), could facilitate the movement of current across the top of the cell (instead of a metal grid). Vulcanization-vacuum distillation has been suggested as a possible recycling process to obtain Te and can recover Te with purities up to 99.92%. Among them are the materials used in some solar panels, like cadmium, which is used in cadmium tellurium (CdTe)-based photovoltaics. This mirrors an an… [10][11] The usage of rare materials may also become a limiting factor to the industrial scalability of CdTe technology in the mid-term future. Normally silicon is recyclable, but to improve the solar cells’ electrical efficiency, metals such as cadmium and lead are added. [15] CdTe cell efficiency is approaching 20% in the laboratory with a record of 22.1% as of 2016. [34] In February 1999, McMaster sold the company to True North Partners, who named it First Solar. [13] A prominent manufacturer of CdTe thin film technology is the company First Solar, based in Tempe, Arizona. [65][66] All other uses and exposures related to cadmium are minor and similar in kind and magnitude to exposures from other materials in the broader PV value chain, e.g., to toxic gases, lead solder, or solvents (most of which are not used in CdTe manufacturing).[67][68]. CdTe -- Solar Panel Manufacturers. According to a study by Virginia Tech, no. [38] Today, First Solar manufactures over 3 gigawatts with an average module efficiency of 16.4% in 2016. Solar panels glimmering in the sun are an icon of all that is green. [31] Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research, focuses on the development of CdTe solar cells on flexible substrates and demonstrated cell efficiencies of 13.5% and 15.6% for flexible plastic foil and glass substrates, respectively. [58] In 1984 astrophysicists identified tellurium as the universe's most abundant element having an atomic number over 40. 1. But that doesn’t mean that making the panels themselves isn’t pollution-free. This doesn’t mean that there is zero risk, which is why the authors highlight the need for recycling at the end of the product’s life. [70], Materials that can be recovered in the recycling process include metals, mounts, glass, and, in high value cases, the whole PV module. The final method, First Solar, relies on mechanical and chemical processes. Almost all thin film photovoltaic module systems to-date have been non-solar tracking, because module output was too low to offset tracker capital and operating costs. none of this poses any health risk to a homeowner with solar panels on their home. If there’s anything toxic inside - especially heavy metals like cadmium, lead, or mercury - could toxins leach out and poison your home? Our work also includes advanced characterization, device modeling, and collaboration with university and industry partners. Workers in processing facilities may be exposed to, and inhale, fine particles or fumes of Cd. Lack of technical expertise can be a problem when solar developers like Sustainable Power Group, or sPower, incorrectly claim that the cadmium in its panels is not water soluble. The abundance of tellurium—of which telluride is the anionic form—is comparable to that of platinum in the earth's crust and contributes significantly to the module's cost.[12]. Cadmium telluride is a direct band gap material with high absorption for the full spectrum. One such TCO, tin oxide, was available for other uses (thermally reflective windows). [74][75] A life cycle assessment of CdTe module recycling by the University of Stuttgart showed a reduction in primary energy demand in End-Of-Life from 81 MJ/m2 to -12 MJ/m2, a reduction of around 93 MJ/m2, and in terms of global warming potential from 6 kg CO2-equiv./m2 to -2.5 CO2-equiv./m2, a reduction of around -8.5 CO2-equiv./m2. None of elements used in this type of cell are heavy metals. [16], Research in CdTe dates back to the 1950s,[17][18][19][20][21][22] because its band gap (~1.5 eV) is almost a perfect match to the distribution of photons in the solar spectrum in terms of conversion to electricity. In addition, solar panels are designed to withstand a lot of abuse. The dominant PV technology has always been based on crystalline silicon wafers. Cadmium telluride (CdTe) is the most common type of thin-film solar cell in production. The LCA also showed that the main contributors to considered environmental impact categories are due to required chemicals and energy within the processing of CdTe modules. [69] So, the exact role of the grain boundaries in limitation of performance of CdTe-based solar cells remains unclear and the research is ongoing to address this question. [71], Early CdTe modules failed elution tests, however more recent models can pass some elution tests. CdTe PV modules provide a beneficial and safe use for cadmium that would otherwise be stored for future use or disposed of in landfills as hazardous waste. Matsushita claimed an 11%[clarification needed] module efficiency using CSS and then dropped the technology. This type of semi-flexible solar cell is extremely popular for mobile applications such as camping and motorhomes, and small charging devices for smartphones and laptops. Introduction. energy, Use our calculator to get a financial payback and solar performance When the product has reached the end of its life, you can take the battery to a Home Depot or Lowe’s and recycle it. The grain boundary is the interface between two grains of a crystalline material and occur when two grains meet. A single gigawatt-hour of electricity produced from PV would decrease the emissions of SO2 by 10 tons, NOx by 4 tons and CO2 by 1000 tons when compared to coal. Photovoltaic modules can last anywhere from 25 – 30 years. [70] Only three methods of high-value recycling are industrially available for thin-film PV modules, as of 2013. The only way for a completed module to release dust or vapor is by being lit aflame or ground into a fine dust. [77], CdTe production facilities may cause environmental issues when there are accidents in high-efficiency production or from by-product exhaust in less efficient production methods. SENSE (Sustainability EvaluatioN of Solar Energy systems) and RESOLVED (REcovery of SOLar Valuable materials, Enrichment, and Decontamination) are European funded procedures. Cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaics describes a photovoltaic (PV) technology that is based on the use of cadmium telluride in a thin semiconductor layer designed to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. [40] In February 2016, First Solar announced that they had reached a record 22.1% conversion efficiency in their CdTe cells. Production reached 25 megawatts in 2005. Concentrators lower the number of panels by using lenses or mirrors to put more sunlight on each panel. 1. This research may lead to cheaper and safer CdTe cells. Under lower-light condition, such as dawn, with dusk and diffuse light, the power generation capability of CdTe thin film solar module has been proven to be better than the crystalline silicon solar module which was made of indirect band gap material. First Solar is the world-record holder for CdTe thin film module (14.4%) and cell (18.7%) efficiency, and backs their solar panels … The debate over the toxic potential of thin film solar panels based on cadmium compounds has been reignited. Normally, thin-film cells have quite a bit lower efficiency than c-Si cells, but the latest products from First Solar have a 14% efficiency, which is pretty close to polycrystalline cells. BP Solar dropped CdTe in November 2002. Thin films and concentrators were early attempts to lower costs. It’s harmful if swallowed, and is very toxic to aquatic life. Recently, new solar panels have been created that are made from a semiconducting material called cadmium telluride (CdTe). [46][47][48] CdTe PV modules experience half the reduction of crystalline silicon modules, resulting in an increased annual energy output of 5-9%.[49]. During this period cadmium telluride and copper indium diselenide or CIS-alloys remained under development. US researchers have unvelied a new manufacturing process to produce cadmium telluride (CdTe) PV panels, which they claim is 45% cheaper than current industry standards. After trying amorphous silicon, he shifted to CdTe at the urging of Jim Nolan and founded Solar Cells Inc., which later became First Solar. Cadmium is a heavy metal and extremely dangerous. A simple heterojunction design evolved in which p-type CdTe was matched with n-type cadmium sulfide (CdS). Do solar panels increase the risk of a lightning strike? [60][61], The manufacture of a CdTe cell includes a thin coating with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) to increase the cell's overall efficiency. A large growth in the CdTe PV sector has the potential to reduce global cadmium emissions by displacing coal and oil power generation. [72] The Double Green Process consists of almost entirely mechanical processes. [77], During a module’s lifespan, it will not release any particles or vapors if used as intended. When exposed to temperatures of approximately 1100 °C in lab tests around 0.4% to 0.6% of the Cd content was released. [56] In the last decade[when? how to hire the right installer, and save money with rebates. CdTe panels have … Even though the common type of solar panel is non-toxic, there is a type of solar cell that can contain toxic materials: thin-film solar cells. If you want to learn more about the environmental benefits of solar panels, including conventional c-Si cells, read our article on the topic. Cells of about 10% sunlight-to-electricity efficiency were produced by the early 1980s at Kodak, Matsushita, Monosolar and AMETEK.[26]. The reason for that mercury pollution? One of the most prominent technologies is solar photovoltaic (PV), … Commercial product became available in 2002. c-Si cells are currently 95% of the market. [80] Recent installations of large First Solar CdTe PV systems were claimed to be competitive with other forms of solar energy: Further mention of cost competitiveness: ". According to USGS, global production in 2007 was 135 metric tons. Te is almost exclusively obtained as a by-product of copper refining, with smaller amounts from lead and gold production. However, the amount of lead we’re talking about is comparable to what can be found in any electronics in your home – like your TV, computer, or DVR. [14] The same source estimated that about 3 gigawatts were installed in 2007. There have however been a number of studies which have suggested not only that GBs are not deleterious to performance but may in fact be beneficial as sources of enhanced carrier collection. 485–486, p. 319–328, 2014. Chu used resistive tin oxide as the buffer layer and then thinned the CdS from several micrometres to under half a micrometre in thickness. [26], In the early 1990s, other players experienced mixed results. Often the substrate is flexible, which is why these cells are called thin-film. Those who live near the 230-megawatt Antelope Valley Solar Ranch One want to know whether the 3.7-million cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin film solar panels First Solar … A contract for two megawatts of rooftop installations with, This page was last edited on 15 January 2021, at 00:25. In recent years, solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has advanced due to a growing interest in renewable energy sources. In 2014, the record module efficiency was also raised by First Solar from 16.1% up to 17.0%. [citation needed], By 1981, Kodak used close-space sublimation (CSS) and made the first 10%[clarification needed] cells and first multi-cell devices (12 cells, 8% efficiency, 30 cm2). Cadmium fumes may cause flu like symptoms and more severe respiratory problems. The company Solyndra, now bankrupt, was one of the few companies that attempted to bring CIGS cells into mainstream use. Guide. (First Solar FAQ Document) First Solar Panel Quality Assurance Video YouTube: “First Solar Module Reliability” Improvements included broader substrates (since capital costs scale sublinearly and installation costs can be reduced), thinner layers (to save material, electricity, and processing time), and better material utilization (to save material and cleaning costs). CdTe cells achieved above 15%[clarification needed] in 1992 by adding a buffer layer to the TCO/CdS/CdTe stack and then thinned the CdS to admit more light. Its recycling facilities operate at each of First Solar’s manufacturing plants and recover up to 95% of semiconductor material for reuse in new modules and 90% of glass for reuse in new glass products. Only a small amount, estimated to be about 800 metric tons[53] per year, is available. Solar Frontier, a Japanese company, is a current producer of CIGS solar cells. When you’re ready, fill out our form to get up to three estimates from Tracking also produces a smoother output plateau around midday, better matching afternoon peaks. This is because it’s possible to make crystalline silicon semi-flexible by reducing its thickness. Despite their low leachability, CdTe modules have very poor biodegradability. small charging devices for smartphones and laptops, 42% of it is from coal-fired power plants, Top folding solar panels for portable off-grid use. The cell was completed by adding top and bottom contacts. The type of solar panels that are by far the most common on homes are made of crystalline silicon (c-Si). Early leaders in CdS/CdTe cell efficiencies were GE in the 1960s, and then Kodak, Monosolar, Matsushita, and AMETEK. He is on Ametek patents, SCI CSS patent: Foote et al. qualified solar installers. ... First Solar has meanwhile been steadily reducing the amount of cadmium used in its solar cells. Toldeo Solar shares that the company’s panels offer 16.5% efficiency, coming in at a size of 60 x 120 cm. Everyone knows that solar panels turn sunlight into electricity, and they do that without any pollution. ], new supplies have been located, e.g., in Xinju, China[57] as well as in Mexico and Sweden. The additional layer did not compromise the device's other properties. qualifying purchases. They wrote: If they were classified as “hazardous” according to Federal or State criteria, then special requirements for material handling, disposal, record keeping, and reporting would escalate the cost of decommissioning. Abound Solar has declared bankruptcy and General Electric`s PrimeStar is failing. ^ "Publications, Presentations, and News Database: Cadmium Telluride". In 2014 research discovered that abundant and harmless magnesium chloride (MgCl2) performs as well as cadmium chloride. Mercury is one of the most common heavy metal pollutants - it’s the reason why pregnant women are advised to limit their intake. Cadmium is a major ingredient in one particular type of solar panel called cadmium telluride. A similar efficiency and fate eventually occurred at BP Solar. Y. S. Tyan, 1978, Polycrystalline thin film CdS/CdTe photovoltaic cell, Kodak, B. Basol, E. Tseng, R.L. Thin-film cells, in contrast, are made by depositing chemical layers on a substrate such as glass or plastic. The record efficiency for a laboratory CdTe solar cell is 22.1% by First Solar, while First Solar recently reported its a… [70] Promising future recycling methods include vulcanization-vacuum distillation and the Double Green Process. These reductions show a highly beneficial change in the overall environmental profile of CdTe photovoltaic module. Silicon is the same element in sand, and is non-toxic. 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