FLEXIBLE THIN-FILM SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS: RESEARCH AND APPLICATION

Abstract

It is expected that thin film photovoltaic technologies will play a major role in the world photovoltaic market in the near future. The use of flexible substrates offers new possibilities for the application of solar cells, for example for building integration. In addition, flexible cells are very thin and lightweight, which makes them also more flexible in use than rigid cells. One of the most important advantages of flexible solar cells, is the potential to reduce production costs. Development of photovoltaic thin film modules ensures a satisfying flexibility of the surface, and the possibility to design appropriate shapes. The future for efficient, lightweight, flexible and cost-effective thin film modules looks very promising.