What is cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar?

pv magazine: Prof. Arvind, you dedicate a long chapter in “ Solar Cells and Modules ” to thin-film PV technologies such as cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells. Panels built with such cells are the only thin-film products that have been able to reach all market segments in the solar sector. Why is that?

What is cadmium telluride PV?

Cadmium telluride PV is the only thin film technology with lower costs than conventional solar cells made of crystalline silicon in multi-kilowatt systems.

Can thin-film cadmium telluride solar cells produce large-scale energy?

Better optical designs and enhanced recovery of tellurium may boost the potential for large-scale energy production from thin-film cadmium telluride solar cells. For decades, the material associated with photovoltaic (PV) cells has been silicon.

Are cadmium telluride photovoltaic cells toxic?

Cadmium telluride photovoltaic cells have negative impacts on both workers and the ecosystem. When inhaled or ingested the materials of CdTe cells are considered to be both toxic and carcinogenic by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Is cadmium telluride better than crystalline silicon?

Compared to crystalline silicon modules, cadmium telluride products can be produced at lower costs and with simpler production processes. How much room for improvement do you expect in this regard? Shah: As far as I can personally judge, there is not much room for further improvement in the production process.

Does cadmium telluride decompose?

In our book, we show evidence that it is extremely unlikely, even in the case of catastrophes, like fires, floods, or other unforeseen events, that cadmium telluride modules will decompose into cadmium and tellurium. Romeo: As explained in our book, CdTe is a non-soluble material; soluble neither in water nor in other solvents.