This paper examines three thin-film PV technologies: amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, and copper indium selenide. The purpose is to: (1) assess their status and potential; (2) provide an improved set of criteria for comparing these existing thin films against any new PV technological alternatives, and examining the longer-term (c. 2050) potential of thin films to meet cost goals that would be competitive with conventional sources of energy without any added value from the substantial environmental advantages of PV. Among the conclusions are: (1) today's thin films have substantial economic potential, (2) any new approach to PV should be examined against the substantial achievements and potential of today's thin films, (3) the science and technology base of today's thin films needs substantial strengthening, (4) some need for alternative technologies exists, especially as the future PV marketplace expands beyond about 30 GW of annual production
