an improved photovoltaic panel and method of forming a photovoltaic panel are disclosed for producing a high efficiency cds / cdte photovoltaic cell . the photovoltaic panel of the present invention is initially formed with a substantially thick cds layer , and the effective thickness of the cds layer is substantially reduced during regrowth to both form larger diameter cdte crystals and substantially reduce the effective thickness of the c this invention was made with government support under subcontract no . zl - 7 - 06031 - 3 awarded by the department of energy . the government has certain rights in this invention .