Why Us
Sichuan World Union New Materials Technology Co., Ltd.
Is a high-tech enterprise specializing in a new generation of green energy material – cadmium telluride (CdTe) power-generating glass. We integrate survey, design, core material supply, and professional installation services to provide customers with one-stop, comprehensive application solutions for cadmium telluride power-generating glass.
Established on July 28, 2021, and located in Shifang Economic Development Zone, Deyang City, Sichuan Province, we have rapidly grown into the sole privately-owned OEM partner designated by Kaisheng Glass Holdings Co., Ltd. in China, thanks to our superior product performance, rigorous craftsmanship, and innovative business model. This strategic partnership not only serves as authoritative recognition of our production technology, quality control, and corporate credibility but also secures our leading advantage in technological sourcing and industrial synergy.
Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) vs. Monocrystalline Silicon (mono-Si) Solar Panels: A Comprehensive Comparison
- Core Difference: Material and Technology
- Monocrystalline Silicon (mono-Si):
- Material:Made from highly purified, single-crystal silicon. The silicon is formed into ingots and then sliced into thin wafers, which become the individual solar cells.
- Appearance:Characterized by a dark black color and uniform look, often with rounded cell edges or a seamless all-black design.
- Cadmium Telluride (CdTe):
- Material:A thin-film technology. It uses a compound semiconductor—Cadmium Telluride—which is deposited in layers as thin as a few micrometers onto a glass substrate.
- Appearance:Appears as a uniform, solid black or dark brown sheet without visible cell grids or busbars.
2. Advantages and Disadvantages: A Detailed Breakdown
| Aspect | Monocrystalline Silicon (mono-Si) | Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) |
| 📦 Product & Materials | ||
| Efficiency | Advantage: Higher peak efficiency (typically 20-24% for consumer panels). Generates more power per unit area. | Disadvantage: Lower peak efficiency (typically 16-19% for consumer panels). Requires more surface area for the same power output. |
| Cost & Manufacturing | Disadvantage: More energy-intensive and complex manufacturing process (crystal growth, slicing wafers), leading to a higher cost. | Advantage: Simpler, cheaper manufacturing process (vapor deposition). Lower energy payback time. Often the lowest cost per watt. |
| Temperature Coefficient | Disadvantage: Performance degrades more noticeably in high temperatures (higher negative temperature coefficient). | Advantage: Superior performance in high temperatures (lower negative temperature coefficient). Output is more stable in hot climates. |
| Low-Light Performance | Good performance in low-light conditions. | Advantage: Generally better performance in low-light, cloudy, and hazy conditions due to a broader light absorption spectrum. |
| Aesthetics | Excellent, sleek all-black options are popular for residential use. | Advantage: Superior and seamless aesthetics as a uniform glass sheet. Ideal for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). |
| Environmental Impact | Silicon is abundant and non-toxic. Manufacturing is energy-intensive. | Mixed: Manufacturing has a lower carbon footprint. Major Disadvantage: Contains Cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, raising concerns about end-of-life recycling and potential leaching if broken. |
| 🚀 Installation & Use | ||
| Weight & Flexibility | Rigid and heavy. Standard frame and mounting. | Advantage: Can be made lighter and, in some cases, semi-flexible. Well-suited for large, flat commercial roofs where weight is a concern. |
| Roof Space | Advantage: Requires less roof space to achieve a desired power output due to higher efficiency. | Disadvantage: Requires more roof space for the same system size due to lower efficiency. |
| Durability & Degradation | Low degradation rate (around 0.3-0.5% per year). Long lifespan (25+ years warranty is standard). | Advantage: Very low degradation rate, often better than silicon in real-world conditions. Excellent long-term stability. |
| 🔥 Maintenance & End-of-Life | ||
| Maintenance | Similar for both: Periodic cleaning to remove dirt and debris. Both are largely maintenance-free. | Similar for both: Periodic cleaning to remove dirt and debris. Both are largely maintenance-free. |
| Recycling & Toxicity | Advantage: Established and simple recycling process for glass, aluminum, and silicon. No toxic materials to manage. | Major Disadvantage: Recycling is mandatory and complex due to cadmium content. While recycling programs exist (e.g., by First Solar), the infrastructure is less mature than for silicon, posing a potential long-term liability. |
3. Summary: Which One to Choose?
Choose Monocrystalline Silicon (mono-Si) if:
- You have limited roof spaceand want to maximize power generation.
- You prioritize peak efficiencyabove all else.
- You are concerned about the environmental impact of toxic materialsand want a simpler recycling path.
- You want the most common and widely available technology with a long-proven track record.
Choose Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) if:
- Cost is your primary driverand you want the lowest possible price per watt.
- You live in a very hot climateand want better real-world energy yield during summer.
- You have a large, suitable roof area(e.g., commercial building) where lower efficiency is not a constraint.
- Aesthetics are critical, and you desire a seamless, uniform look for BIPV projects.
- You are confident in the manufacturer’s end-of-life recycling program and the safe encapsulation of the materials.
In conclusion, while monocrystalline silicon remains the champion of efficiency and space-constrained applications, Cadmium Telluride offers compelling advantages in cost, high-temperature performance, and aesthetics, albeit with a significant caveat regarding the responsible management of its toxic components at end-of-life.
