CdTe Photovoltaic Glass: Specifications & Performance

2026-08-14 18:30:45

This article consolidates the technical specifications of cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic glass — the data engineers and specifiers need to evaluate it against project requirements. Values below reflect the product family's representative ratings under standard test conditions (STC: 1000 W/m², 25°C, AM 1.5).

Electrical Performance (STC)

A representative opaque module (COM-M1 family) delivers:

Translucent and tile variants scale power with transparency and size (e.g., colored translucent 140–200 W; PV tiles 23–70 W per piece).

Operating Parameters

• Maximum system voltage: 1500 V

• Operating temperature: -40°C to +85°C

• Static load: front 2400 Pa / back 3600 Pa (stone-look up to 5400 Pa)

• Hail test: Pass

• Protection rating: IP67

• Module NMOT: 42.3 ± 2°C

Temperature Coefficients — Why They Matter

CdTe performs strongly in heat, a key advantage over many crystalline technologies:

The low power-temperature coefficient means output falls only slightly as temperature rises, supporting higher annual yield in hot climates. Combined with good low-light response and strong shading tolerance, the glass is well suited to real building environments.

Degradation and Lifetime

• First-year degradation: 5%

• Year 2 onward: 0.4% per year

This predictable, gentle decline supports stable long-term energy yield projections.

Fire and Safety

• Fire rating: Class A

• Safety class: Class II

• Construction: laminated safety glass (PVB/EVA interlayers)

• Frame: anodized aluminum alloy

Thermal Performance (Insulated Variants)

Insulated translucent versions act as high-performance building glazing. Representative U-values (heat-transfer coefficient, lower is better) range from about 5.8 W/m²·K for basic double glazing down to roughly 0.7 W/m²·K for triple-silver Low-E, argon-filled, warm-edge insulated configurations. Replacing standard glazing with insulated PV glass can therefore improve the building envelope's energy efficiency while generating power.

Certifications and Standards

• PV product: IEC/EN 61215, IEC/EN 61730

• Building glass: GB/T 29551, JGJ 102

• Safety/markets: UL 1703, DIN VDE 0126, TÜV, CE, CCC, CQC

• Management: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001

• Additional: green-building and product carbon-footprint certification

Frequently Asked Questions

What voltage class is the glass?

It is designed for systems up to 1500 V maximum system voltage, suitable for commercial and industrial BIPV arrays.

Does it lose much power in hot weather?

No. The Pmax temperature coefficient is only -0.189%/°C, so high ambient temperatures have a limited effect on output.

Is it safe in a fire?

Yes — it carries a Class A fire rating and Class II safety classification, with laminated-glass construction.

Talk to a Specialist

Exact values vary by series, size, and transparency. For the full datasheet of a specific model, project-specific load and thermal calculations, or a quotation, feel free to consult us via email.