Discover the seven most common types of photovoltaic materials used in solar panels, including silicon, cadmium telluride, perovskite, and more.

7 Most Common Types of Photovoltaic Materials

Photovoltaic materials are essential components of solar panels that convert sunlight into electrical energy. These materials are semiconductors that have the ability to absorb light energy and convert it into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. There are several types of photovoltaic materials available, each with unique characteristics that affect their performance in solar panels. In this article, we will discuss the seven most common types of photovoltaic materials used in solar panel technology today.

Silicon

Silicon is the most commonly used photovoltaic material in solar panel technology. This is because it is abundant, highly efficient, and has a long lifespan. Silicon is a semiconductor that can absorb photons of light energy and release free electrons that can be collected as electrical energy. There are two types of silicon used in solar panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline silicon is more expensive but has higher efficiency, while polycrystalline silicon is less expensive but has lower efficiency.

Cadmium Telluride

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) is a thin-film photovoltaic material that is highly efficient and low-cost. It is made by depositing a thin layer of CdTe onto a substrate material. CdTe is highly absorbent, which makes it an excellent material for converting sunlight into electrical energy. Additionally, CdTe is highly stable and has a long lifespan, making it an excellent choice for solar panels.

Other commonly used photovoltaic materials include:

Copper Indium Gallium Selenide

Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) is a thin-film photovoltaic material that is highly