Weak light power generation, not afraid of shading, customizable colors—three major technical features of cadmium telluride glass

Whether BIPV can be widely implemented in cities depends not only on policies and design but also on the physical properties of the materials themselves.

Among many photovoltaic materials, cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film power generation glass is becoming an important choice for building facades, skylights, and special-shaped structures due to its unique advantages in weak light performance, shading tolerance, and aesthetic adaptability.
 

Image source: Mingyang Thin Film Technology

Feature 1: Strong weak light power generation capability, longer average daily power generation time

❌ Limitations of traditional modules

Traditional cells are sensitive to light intensity; under weak light conditions such as diffuse light, cloudy days, early morning, or late evening, power generation efficiency drops significantly, with effective power generation time usually 4-5 hours per day.

✅ Advantages of cadmium telluride

Narrower bandgap (about 1.45eV), can absorb a wider spectrum of light, especially responsive to diffuse and long-wave light.

Measured data shows that under cloudy or early morning/late evening conditions, its power generation capability remains at a relatively high level.

Average effective daily power generation time can reach 6-7 hours, with some cities achieving 10%-15% higher annual power generation than traditional modules.

Image source: Mingyang Thin Film Technology
 

Feature 2: Strong resistance to local shading, high system stability

❌ Risks of traditional modules

Traditional modules consist of multiple cells connected in series; once partially shaded (e.g., building shadows, leaves, bird droppings), they easily cause "hot spot effect," leading to a significant drop in the entire string's power and potentially affecting system lifespan.

✅ Structural advantages of cadmium telluride

Uses large-area continuous thin-film process, not cell splicing.

Partial shading only affects the shaded area; the rest can still generate power normally.

Laboratory tests show that even with 20%-30% area shaded, the system can still output over 70% power.

Engineering significance:
In complex urban lighting environments (such as dense high-rises and curtain wall structure shading), cadmium telluride systems have advantages in power generation stability and operation and maintenance safety.

Image source: Mingyang Thin Film Technology

Feature 3: Adjustable light transmittance and color, meeting architectural aesthetic needs

❌ Aesthetic dilemma of traditional modules

Traditional modules have single colors (dark blue/black) and low light transmittance (usually <20%), making it difficult to integrate into modern building facades and often seen as "unsightly patches."

✅ Customization capabilities of cadmium telluride

Adjustable light transmittance: by adjusting film thickness or doping process, continuous adjustment from 10%-90% can be achieved to meet different lighting needs.

Customizable colors: through surface coating technology, visual effects such as blue-gray, dark gray, bronze, gradient, etc., can be realized to match modern, industrial, minimalist architectural styles.

Flexible and shapeable: supports curved, arc-shaped, and special-shaped curtain wall applications.

Case reference:
Qingdao Teld New Energy Zero Carbon Building uses blue-gray, 60% light transmittance cadmium telluride power generation glass on the east, south, and west curtain walls, achieving integration of power generation function and architectural aesthetics, reported by CCTV.

Image source: Mingyang Thin Film Technology

 

[Comparison summary: Traditional modules vs. Cadmium telluride applicable scenarios]

Dimension	Traditional modules	Cadmium telluride power generation glass
Light adaptability	Dependent on strong light	Excellent weak light performance
Shading impact	High risk of entire string power drop	Local impact, high stability
Light transmittance and aesthetics	Low transmittance, single color	High transmittance, customizable colors
Weight	Heavier (20-30kg/㎡)	Lighter (8-12kg/㎡)
Typical application scenarios	Rooftops, ground power stations	Curtain walls, skylights, special-shaped structures

[Conclusion · Features determine scenarios]

No single material can cover all scenarios.
Traditional modules still have advantages in high efficiency and low cost, suitable for large-area rooftop power stations;
while cadmium telluride performs outstandingly in weak light, complex lighting, and high aesthetic requirement urban building scenarios.

The future development of BIPV is not about "who replaces whom," but "selecting materials as needed, each finding its place."
Material diversity is the foundation for BIPV to move towards large-scale and refined applications.