Phillips 66, a Houston-based diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company, says it has set a new world record in power conversion efficiency for polymer-based single-junction organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. The 11.84% efficiency was certified by Newport Corp., a recognized center for independent verification of solar cell results, under standard testing conditions.
The flexible solar cells are based on proprietary polymers and interfacial layers developed by Phillips 66. The company says the technology can be printed using low-cost roll-to-roll manufacturing processes, and the organic solar cells do not contain hazardous components, such as lead or cadmium, unlike some other types of thin-film technologies.
“This breakthrough in efficiency brings us closer to the possibility of commercializing this promising form of solar technology,” says Merl Lindstrom, vice president of technology at Phillips 66. “Continuing to increase the ability of OPV cells to convert power with high efficiency will one day make this energy source more affordable for the consumer.”
