Final answer:
Crystalline PV cells cannot be coated on flexible substrates and this statement is false. These cells are rigid and require a solid support due to their crystal structure, unlike thin-film solar cells which can be flexible. Therefore given statement is false
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that an advantage of crystalline PV cells is that they can be coated on flexible substrates is false. Crystalline PV cells, including monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon cells, are typically rigid due to their orderly crystal structure and the manufacturing process involved. They require a solid substrate to support their structure. However, other types of solar cells, like thin-film solar cells, can be applied to flexible substrates and are known for their adaptability to different surfaces. These thin-film solar cells are made from materials such as cadmium telluride or amorphous silicon, which allow them to be lightweight and flexible.
In contrast to crystalline silicon PV cells, thin-film solar cells can be deposited in thin layers onto a flexible substrate, making them suitable for a range of applications where traditional rigid solar panels would not be practical.