Using the Sun for a Sustainable Future

If you’ve never heard of Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), then a couple of things come to mind. First, don’t feel bad. CdTe is a relatively obscure stable crystalline compound used in semiconductors. It is sandwiched with cadmium sulfide to form the p-n junction you learned about in your college physics class.

But second, recognize that you are likely to hear more about CdTe in the coming years because the compound is so well-suited to the development of highly efficient solar cells. Specifically, CdTe thin-film photovoltaics (PVs) have the smallest carbon footprint, use the least amount of water, and provide excellent energy payback for customers.

Our TAG Climate team had the opportunity today to spend time with Glen Finkel, co-founder of Ohio-based Toledo Solar. The company makes rooftop solar systems for American installers – and uses CdTe PV technology as the basis for its products. We learned much from Finkel, and here are some of the more interesting highlights:

Product Fabrication – Toledo makes its black solar panels in a manner that is designed to avoid cracking or heat overload failure in the PV cells. They do this using two sheets of high-strength tempered glass that is hermetically sealed during construction.

Efficient Usage – The use of CdTe in its products allows for much higher return on investment (ROI) for customers. Since CdTe is so efficient in capturing energy, Toledo Solar products work especially well in warmer and hotter climates.

Safe Operation – Toledo Solar has subjected its products to review by organizations such as the Us Department of Energy. Because CdTe is an inert compound, the CdTe PV panels are highly stable and work safely under super high temperatures.

A key aspect of Toledo Solar’s value proposition is the construction and manufacturing of its products in the United States. This will be important for many American homeowners who care about risks in foreign supply chains and forced labor in certain countries. Such attention to values is a welcome aspect of the Toledo Solar story.

From a TAG Climate perspective, we obviously view solar energy as a critical aspect of the journey to a sustainable future. The work on-going at Toledo Solar is both important and critical to reducing our carbon footprint, while also helping consumers and business reduce their energy bills.

As always, let us know what you think about his article – and about the use of solar power to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability for our country – and our globe.