CdTe thin-film solar panels are comprised of three main parts, having a layer for the semiconductor, one for the protection, and one for the conduction. These parts are:
* Photovoltaic material
The photovoltaic material is the part of the CdTe thin-film solar panel that converts solar radiation into DC energy. This is
manufactured by creating a p–n heterojunction, this semiconductor requires the deposition of a layer of CdTe for the p-doped section and one of CdS or MZO for the n-doped section.
* Conductive sheet
The conductive sheet allows the DC energy to flow between solar cells, increasing the voltage and allowing for the connection of CdTe panels into photovoltaic (PV) systems. These layers require the deposition of a metal layer or carbon paste, introducing
copper (Cu) to create conduction in the panel.
* Protective layer
Photovoltaic layers tend to be very fragile, which is why thin-film solar panels require a protective layer. Instead of using an
aluminum frame and tempered glass, this layer known as the Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) layer, is made by depositing SnO2:F or a similar material. The TCO layer is where the CdTe absorber is deposited, allowing the solar cell to be fully protected.
