Workshop Gets the Skinny on Advancing Thin-Film Solar Technology

The California Energy Commission will hold a workshop Sept. 7 to examine ways to advance the science and manufacturing of thin-film photovoltaic (PV) technologies.

Thin-film PV technology has been around for years, and smaller versions can be found in nearly every solar-powered calculator.

Thin-film panels are not sandwiched between glass like silicon panels, giving them the advantage of being lightweight and flexible. However, the panels are less efficient than traditional ones and use toxic materials in their construction.

The workshop will seek feedback from stakeholders, experts, and the public to help determine how Electric Program Investment Plan (EPIC) funding can advance the market readiness of thin-film PV technologies, increase their efficiency, reduce costs, lower toxicity, and increase solar energy adoption in the state.

The Energy Commission, which invests about $160 million annually for clean energy research, plans to release an EPIC program solicitation later this year that addresses the challenges of thin-film PV technology.

Details on how to participate remotely can be found in the workshop notice.

Photo courtesy of Glint Photonics.