The primary advantage of thin-film panels is their exceptionally low mass. 7 lbs/ft²), meaning the weight added to a structure can be 70-80% less than standard crystalline modules. However, the move toward bifacial modules and enhanced durability has made glass-glass construction increasingly common. Standard Glass-Polymer Backsheet: One sheet of 3. 2. Thin film solar panels, also called thin film photovoltaic solar panels, are made by depositing one or more layers of photovoltaic material onto a substrate like glass, plastic, or metal. Monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film are the three cell technologies used in solar panels. Thin-film solar cells are. In general, a 60 cell residential solar panel weighs between 35lbs and 50 lbs (16-22 kg) and can produce between 300 and 400 watts of power.