Belgium-based Imec and chemicals company Solvay have created an organic photovoltaic (OPV) module with a certified efficiency of 5.5%. According to the companies, this efficiency level represents a new world record.
This result was achieved using a novel inverted bulk heterojunction architecture developed by Imec in close collaboration with Solvay and a proprietary ActivInk semiconductor from Polyera.
Organic solar cells hold the potential for integration into building facades and windows, due to their optical translucency and ability to be manufactured on large areas at high-throughput. OPV's efficiency is less dependent on the intensity and the angle of the incoming light than the efficiency of other PV types. However, to become a relevant industrial solution, OPV requires upscaling towards an industrial process, as well as further increases in performance and longevity, Imec says.
