Cadnium Teller Solar Panels

Solar panels generate 300 times more toxic waste per unit of energy than nuclear power plants.

Cadnium teller solar panels.

What is cdte and why should i care. Cadmium telluride cdte solar panels as the second most common photovoltaic technology on the market behind traditional crystalline silicon cadmium telluride cdte panels are already a viable thin film solar panel solution. On a lifecycle basis cdte pv has the smallest carbon footprint lowest water use and shortest energy payback time of any current photo voltaic technology. Cadmium fumes may cause flu like symptoms and more severe respiratory problems.

Cadmium telluride is a direct bandgap material with bandgap energy of about 1 45 defined ev which is well matched to the solar spectrum and nearly optimal for converting sunlight into electricity using a single junction. It could be the future of solar. Approximately 90 of most pv modules are made up of glass. Solar panels often contain lead cadmium and other toxic chemicals that cannot be removed without breaking apart the entire panel.

In this video i will explain what cadmium telluride or cdte solar panels are all abou. Worse rainwater can wash many of these toxics out of the fragments of solar modules over time. Abound solar was a manufacturer of cadmium telluride modules a thin film photovoltaic technology based in the united states. Cadmium telluride cdte is the most common type of thin film solar cell in production.

They also contain lead cadmium and other toxic even carcinogenic chemicals that cannot be removed without breaking apart the entire panel. It operated a production facility in longmont colorado. Cadmium telluride cdte is a commonly used material in thin film solar modules. First solar a us based manufacturer makes attractive pv modules that can be used in home applications.

Cadmium dust is even more toxic leading to respiratory liver and kidney problems that can be fatal. Their efficiency ranges from 15 3 to 18 2 with 110 w to 450 w of power output. Cadmium telluride pv is the only thin film technology with lower costs than conventional solar cells made of crystalline silicon in multi kilowatt systems.