A group of researchers from the Light Technology Institute of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology will be working on a four-year project that aims to develop printable organic solar cells that are 10 percent more efficient. The researchers, headed by Dr. Alexander Colsmann, will reportedly use tandem architecture, which involves stacking up together two solar cells with complementary absorption characteristics to achieve better sunlight harvesting capabilities and more efficient energy conversion.
The researchers explained that organic solar cells are fabricated by low-cost printing and coating processes such as gravure printing, screen printing, slot-die coating, and spray coating. However, these organic solar cells exhibit moderate power conversion efficiencies and extensive research will be required to improve the organic solar cells.
The researchers are hoping to develop a new generation of organic solar cells that are light, flexible, semi-transparent, and allows for a low-cost production. If successful, the organic solar cells could be used in buildings, consumer electronics and automobiles in the future. “The funding of EUR 4.25 million granted by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) reflects the quality of our work,” Dr. Colsmann said.
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