Is silicon on the way out?

[secondsilicon]

With First Solar now getting record efficiency from Cadmium-Telluride, do you think silicon has a future in solar modules? Will there be a mix of elements in the future of solar, or will one win out over the other? I've read a little about black silicon, but I'm not sure how it stacks up against CdTe.

Mod note - Nice try but forget the link

[SunEagle]

With First Solar now getting record efficiency from Cadmium-Telluride, do you think silicon has a future in solar modules? Will there be a mix of elements in the future of solar, or will one win out over the other? I've read a little about black silicon, but I'm not sure how it stacks up against CdTe.

Mod note - Nice try but forget the link

Most of those companies using the thin film CdTe technology are no longer in business like Uni-Solar.

First Solar's claim for a high temperature (>25 C) & high efficiency (18.7%) cell seems more like a way to promote themselves so people will invest in their company. I will wait to see how the projects in Nevada and California pan out before I can make any supporting statement for them.

[ananthapriya]

silicon not possible

yeah most of the people using photo voltaic cell, but i don't know in future silicon will be win. But is not possible silicon only achieved that, some of them mixed with it.its should be mixed with Amorphous silicon , Protocrystalline silicon , Nanocrystalline silicon.

[SunEagle]

Until a new mixed material is found silicon is still the cheapest and most efficient semi conductor to use for solar cells.

People continue to search for a better mouse trap for cells like they are doing for the battery. Anything is possible if you put enough effort into finding a solution. It just takes time and money.

[Sunking]

Considering Silicon panels make up over 80% of the market means it is not going anywhere.

[russ]

Until a new mixed material is found silicon is still the cheapest and most efficient semi conductor to use for solar cells.

People continue to search for a better mouse trap for cells like they are doing for the battery. Anything is possible if you put enough effort into finding a solution. It just takes time and money.

Dan made 5 posts - all equally air headed!

[FloridaSun]

Dan made 5 posts - all equally air headed!

In near a year of reading this forum I've noticed in the administrative structure you are kinda like a sergeant at arms here, keeping order and shutting out air head posts and advertising. Just wanted to say thanks for your time, Russ. Your efforts keep this solar forum much easier to read.

[SunEagle]

In near a year of reading this forum I've noticed in the administrative structure you are kinda like a sergeant at arms here, keeping order and shutting out air head posts and advertising. Just wanted to say thanks for your time, Russ. Your efforts keep this solar forum much easier to read.

I agree with you.

Thanks for taking care of the forum russ.

This topic is near and dear to my heart since I did research on thin film Cadmium Sulfide cells back in the 70's. Seemed like finding a cheaper yet efficient way to make cells was the right thing to do. Unfortunately after 40 years silicon is still the best way to go.

[russ]

Thanks guys!

[corn]

silicon based solar cells effectiveness

silicon-based solar cells still suffer from a decline in their effectiveness over time.