Cadmium telluride power generation glass for photovoltaic

What is cadmium telluride (CdTe)?

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film PV modules are the primary thin film product on the global market, with more than 30 GW peak (GWp) generating capacity representing many millions of modules installed worldwide, primarily in utility-scale power plants in the US.

Are CdTe solar modules the highest production thin film photovoltaic technology?

Herein we have reviewed the developments in the cell technology that has enabled CdTe solar modules to emerge as the highest-production thin film photovoltaic technology.

How do different types of PV modules affect a glazing façade?

When integrating different types of PV modules into a building window or glazing façade, the variation of thermo-optical (e.g. emissivity, solar and visible) transmittance of the glazing material will affect the fraction of absorbed, transmitted and re-radiated solar radiation, as well as the amount of penetrating daylight.

Does window integrated semi-transparent photovoltaic glazing improve building energy performance?

The design factors of window integrated semi-transparent photovoltaic (STPV) glazing were evaluated using an innovative approach (combined optical, electrical and energy model) for their effects on building energy performance and luminous environment quality when subjected to varying climate conditions.

What is cadmium chloride activation?

The discovery of the cadmium chloride (CdCl2) activation process was the key innovation responsible for elevating device performance above 15% and attracting commercial interest in the early 1990's .

Are CdTe photovoltaics toxic?

The majority of contemporary Si modules utilize polymer/plastic backsheets which can also release toxic and carcinogenic substances under conditions of incomplete combustion. It is important to consider such secondary risks of CdTe photovoltaics not in isolation but in the context of other points of comparison.