Who makes cadmium telluride thin-film solar panels?

First Solar is the largest solar panel manufacturer in the United States, specializing in cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film solar panels. Unlike traditional silicon-based panels, thin-film panels are made by depositing a layer of photovoltaic material onto a substrate.

What is cadmium telluride solar?

A utility-scale installation of cadmium telluride solar photovoltaic panels. First Solar, Inc. Cadmium telluride solar photovoltaics (PV) are a key clean energy technology that was developed in the United States, has a substantial and growing U.S. manufacturing base, and holds more than a 30% share of the U.S. utility-scale PV market.

Who makes CdTe solar panels?

American manufacturing of thin-film cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar panels has been the sole domain of First Solar for the last decade — but now, an Ohio-based competitor has joined the fray. Enter Toledo Solar.

Do cadmium telluride panels use polysilicon?

Although cadmium telluride panels don’t use any polysilicon, First Solar has felt other challenges facing the industry, like pandemic-induced backlogs in the maritime shipping industry. In April, First Solar told investors that congestion at American ports was holding up panel shipments from its facilities in Asia.

What is the cadmium telluride (CdTe) PV perspective paper?

The Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) PV Perspective Paper (PDF) describes the state of CdTe PV technology and provides the perspective of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO).

Are silicon panels better than cadmium telluride?

Historically, silicon panels have had higher efficiencies than cadmium telluride technology, though the gap is narrowing.Today’s industrially produced silicon panels can achieve efficiencies of 18 to 22 percent, while First Solar has reported an average efficiency of 18 percent for its newest commercial panels.