human
I've heard that a lot of people are using a new type of solar panel. What is it and where can I get one?
assistant
A lot of people are using a new type of solar panel called a thin-film solar cell. It's made up of layers of materials that are deposited onto a substrate, which is usually glass or plastic. The layers of material are designed to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. The most common types of thin film solar cells are cadmium telluride (CdTe) and amorphous silicon (a-Si). Thin film solar cells are generally more efficient than traditional silicon solar panels, but they're also more expensive. You can find them at many online retailers, as well as some hardware stores.