As a result of using far less materials, the embodied energy of thin-film products is significantly less than crystalline products. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory reports that the energy payback time for thin-film PV technologies is about one-half that of crystalline modules. A thin-film module creates enough electricity in operation to offset its embodied energy within 1.5 years compared to within 3 years for crystalline modules (see “PV Energy Payback” article in this issue).
