Thin-film solar cells are preferable for their cost-effective nature, least use of material, and an optimistic trend in the rise of efficiency. This paper presents a holistic review regarding 3 major types of thin-film solar cells including cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), and amorphous silicon (α-Si) from their inception to the best laboratory-developed module. The remarkable evolution, cell configuration, limitations, cell performance, and global market share of each technology are discussed. The reliability, availability of cell materials, and comparison of different properties are equally explored for the corresponding technologies. The emerging solar cell technologies holding some key factors and solutions for future development are also mentioned. The summarized part of this comparative study is targeted to help the readers to decipher possible research scopes considering proper applications and productions of solar cells.

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