Thin-Film Solar Panels

About Unilux Solar

Launched in 2024, Unilux Solar is dedicated to driving the large-scale embrace of solar energy throughout Telangana State in India. As a leading EPC provider, we’ve enabled over 30 households to transition to clean energy. Our key offerings include:

  1. Deployment of grid-connected rooftop solar solutions for homes and residential complexes
  2. Comprehensive post-installation support and maintenance services
  3. Customizable financing options, including easy EMI plans
  4. Use of innovative, pre-engineered mounting systems for seamless solar panel setup

We collaborate closely with our clients to create enduring, eco-friendly energy solutions designed to last for a minimum of 2 years, fostering a brighter, sustainable future.

Here’s what makes Unilux Solar stand out:

  1. Free solar consultations to help you understand your options.
  2. High-quality mounting structures built to withstand cyclonic winds up to 170 kmph, perfect for coastal Andhra Pradesh.
  3. Quick 10-minute loan approvals to make going solar hassle-free.
  4. 3D rooftop models created within 15 minutes of a site visit, so you can visualize your solar setup.
  5. Flexible EMI plans, including our popular zero-cost EMI option.
  6. 5-year maintenance contracts for peace of mind.

Our mission? To create a trusted brand that puts you, the customer, first while lighting up Telangana and Andhra Pradesh with clean, green energy.

 

What Are Thin-Film Solar Panels?

Thin-film solar panels are made by depositing thin layers of photovoltaic materials, such as amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride (CdTe), or copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), onto a substrate like glass, plastic, or metal. Unlike crystalline panels, thin-film panels are lightweight, flexible, and less expensive to produce, though they have lower efficiency (10–13%). They are ideal for large-scale installations or unconventional surfaces in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, where their flexibility and low cost make them suitable for specific applications.

 

How Do Thin-Film Solar Panels Work?

Thin-film solar panels generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect, similar to crystalline panels but with different materials. Here’s a simple breakdown:

  1. Sunlight Absorption: Thin layers of photovoltaic materials absorb sunlight, exciting electrons to create a direct current (DC).
  2. Power Optimization: Thin-film panels perform better in diffuse light or high temperatures, making them suitable for cloudy or hot conditions in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
  3. Power Aggregation: Panels are wired in series or parallel to optimize voltage and current, feeding into a combiner box for safety and monitoring.
  4. DC to AC Conversion: An inverter converts DC electricity into alternating current (AC) for household appliances or grid connection.
  5. Energy Storage or Grid Feed: In off-grid systems, excess energy charges batteries via a charge controller. In on-grid systems, surplus power is fed to the grid, earning credits from your DISCOM.

 

Features of Thin-Film Solar Panels

Thin-film solar panels are known for their unique characteristics:

  1. Low Cost: Cheaper to produce than crystalline panels (₹30–40/Wp), ideal for budget-conscious projects.
  2. Lightweight and Flexible: Can be installed on curved or unconventional surfaces, such as sheds or temporary structures.
  3. Moderate Efficiency: 10–13% efficiency, lower than monocrystalline (20–23%) or polycrystalline (15–18%) panels.
  4. High-Temperature Performance: Better efficiency in hot climates like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh compared to crystalline panels.
  5. Durability: Last 15–20 years, with coatings to withstand coastal humidity and monsoons.

 

Components of a Thin-Film Solar Panel System

A solar system using thin-film panels includes the following components, optimized for cost and flexibility:

  1. Thin-Film Panels: Layers of photovoltaic materials (e.g., amorphous silicon, CdTe, CIGS) on a substrate, offering flexibility and low weight.
  2. Inverter: Converts DC to AC power. Modern inverters offer up to 96% efficiency and smart monitoring.
  3. Charge Controller (for off-grid systems): Uses Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) to optimize battery charging and extend lifespan.
  4. Battery (for off-grid or hybrid systems): Lithium-ion batteries (8–12 years lifespan) or lead-acid (3–5 years) store excess energy.
  5. Mounting Structures: Pre-engineered, lightweight frames to secure panels, designed to withstand winds in coastal Andhra Pradesh.
  6. Accessories: Includes DC/AC cables, MC4 connectors, earthing strips, and lightning arresters for safety during Telangana’s monsoons.

 

When Should You Use Thin-Film Solar Panels?

Thin-film solar panels are ideal for specific scenarios in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh:

  1. Large-Scale Installations: Perfect for farms or industrial sheds in Srikakulam, Nalgonda, or Kurnool, where large surface areas are available.
  2. Budget Projects: Suitable for rural homes or community projects in Warangal or Anantapur seeking low-cost solar solutions.
  3. Unconventional Surfaces: Ideal for curved roofs, temporary structures, or non-traditional surfaces in rural or semi-urban areas.
  4. High-Temperature Areas: Perform well in hot climates like Hyderabad or Rajahmundry, where crystalline panels may lose efficiency.
  5. Portable Applications: Used in mobile or temporary setups, such as agricultural camps or rural clinics.

For urban homes with reliable grid access and limited roof space, Unilux Solar recommends on-grid systems using monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels for higher efficiency. Thin-film panels are better for large-scale or budget-conscious projects.

 

Estimated Costs of Thin-Film Solar Panel Systems in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh (2025)

The cost of a thin-film solar panel system is lower than crystalline systems but requires more panels due to lower efficiency. Below are approximate costs for 2025:

System Capacity

On-Grid Cost (After Subsidies, ₹)

Off-Grid Cost (₹)

2 kWp

70,000–1,20,000

1,40,000–1,80,000

3 kWp

80,000–1,30,000

2,20,000–2,70,000

5 kWp

1,60,000–2,40,000

3,80,000–4,60,000

10 kWp

3,80,000–4,80,000

5,20,000–6,50,000

Note: On-grid costs reflect subsidies under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Off-grid costs include batteries. Unilux Solar offers on-grid and hybrid systems; thin-film and off-grid prices are market estimates.

 

Subsidies for Thin-Film Solar Panels

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana offers subsidies of ₹30,000–₹78,000 for on-grid rooftop solar systems, including those using thin-film panels, depending on capacity. No subsidies are available for off-grid systems. Contact Telangana’s TSSPDCL or Andhra Pradesh’s APSPDCL for local incentives and application details.

 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Thin-Film Solar Panels

Advantages

  1. Low Cost: Cheapest among solar panels (₹30–40/Wp), ideal for budget-conscious projects.
  2. Lightweight and Flexible: Can be installed on curved or unconventional surfaces, perfect for sheds or temporary structures.
  3. High-Temperature Performance: Maintains efficiency in hot climates like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
  4. Good in Diffuse Light: Performs well in cloudy conditions or partial shade, common during monsoons.
  5. Eco-Friendly: Uses less material in production, reducing environmental impact.

Disadvantages

  1. Lower Efficiency: 10–13% efficiency requires more panels and space compared to monocrystalline (20–23%) or polycrystalline (15–18%).
  2. Shorter Lifespan: Lasts 15–20 years, shorter than crystalline panels (20–30 years).
  3. Battery Costs for Off-Grid: Off-grid systems require batteries, adding ₹50,000–₹2,00,000 to costs.
  4. No Off-Grid Subsidies: Only on-grid systems qualify for government financial assistance.

 

Thin-Film vs. Other Solar Panels

Here’s how thin-film panels compare to other types in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh:

Feature

Thin-Film

Monocrystalline

Polycrystalline

Efficiency

10–13%

20–23%

15–18%

Cost

₹30–40/Wp

₹50–70/Wp

₹40–50/Wp

Lifespan

15–20 years

25–30 years

20–25 years

Best For

Large-scale, budget projects

Urban homes, limited space

Budget installations, large rooftops

Appearance

Thin, uniform

Sleek black

Blue, speckled

 

Why Choose Unilux Solar for Thin-Film Solar Panels?

Unilux Solar is exploring thin-film panel technology to deliver cost-effective, flexible solutions:

  1. Expert Guidance: We help you evaluate thin-film panels for large-scale or unconventional projects in Srikakulam, Kurnool, or rural areas.
  2. Affordable Financing: 10-minute loan approvals and zero-cost EMI plans make adoption seamless.
  3. Durable Design: Our pre-engineered mounting structures ensure panels withstand coastal winds and monsoons.
  4. Long-Term Support: 5-year maintenance contracts guarantee performance for at least 2 years and beyond.

Conclusion

Thin-film solar panels are an affordable, flexible solution for large-scale or budget-conscious projects in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, particularly for farms, industrial sheds, or unconventional surfaces. While less efficient than crystalline panels, their low cost and high-temperature performance make them valuable for specific applications. For urban homes with reliable grids, Unilux Solar’s on-grid systems using monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels offer higher efficiency and subsidies, but thin-film panels are a great choice for large or rural setups. Contact Unilux Solar for a free consultation to explore how thin-film solar panels can power your sustainable future!

 

FAQs

Q: How much does a thin-film solar panel system cost in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh?
A: Costs vary by system type and capacity:

  1. On-Grid (after subsidies): ₹70,000 (2 kWp) to ₹4,80,000 (10 kWp)
  2. Off-Grid: ₹1,40,000 (2 kWp) to ₹6,50,000 (10 kWp)
    Note: Unilux Solar offers on-grid and hybrid systems; thin-film and off-grid prices are market estimates.

Q: What are the drawbacks of thin-film solar panels?
A: Lower efficiency (10–13%), shorter lifespan (15–20 years), and larger space requirements are the main drawbacks, along with battery costs for off-grid systems.

Q: Are there subsidies for thin-film solar panel systems?
A: Yes, on-grid systems qualify for ₹30,000–₹78,000 under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Off-grid systems are not subsidized.

Q: How many thin-film panels are needed for a typical home?
A: For a 3 kWp system, 10–12 panels (250–300W each) are typically required, depending on roof space and energy needs, due to lower efficiency.



Cart (0 items)
Select the fields to be shown. Others will be hidden. Drag and drop to rearrange the order.
  • Image
  • SKU
  • Rating
  • Price
  • Stock
  • Availability
  • Add to cart
  • Description
  • Content
  • Weight
  • Dimensions
  • Additional information
Click outside to hide the comparison bar
Compare