Cadmium Telluride thin-film array, fixed ground-mount
Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) replaces silicon as the active photovoltaic material in these modules. The modules are manufactured in an innovative production process where the active photovoltaic layer is deposited under atmospheric pressure.
CdTe modules have a lower efficiency compared to crystalline silicon modules, and as a result a greater number of modules are required for a given output. However, the simpler production process of CdTe modules results in lower module costs compared to crystalline silicon modules.
These PV modules are expected to perform well in the climate of Alice Springs due to the material characteristics of CdTe.
Calyxo is a German based manufacturer of photovoltaic modules.
| Electricity produced (annual): | 8.76 MWh* |
|---|---|
| System size: | 5.4 kW |
| Array area: | 77.76 m² |
| Number of panels: | 108 |
| Panel efficiency: | 6.94 % |
| Panel type: | CX-50 |
| Inverter size, type: | 6kW, SMA SMC 6000A |
| Array orientation: | True north, at 20° tilt |
| Installation completed: | 1 March 2010 |
* This figure is based on an assumption of 1.622 MWh annually, per kWp of installed solar panels. This may prove to be a conservative estimate for Alice Springs.