Since the discovery of the ultrafast, photo-induced electron transfer from a conjugated polymer to a C60 molecule, the scientific field of Organic Photovoltaics (OPV) has been growing exponentially. In 2009, the first products for portable applications developed by Konarka entered the market place. These photovoltaic modules, produced with a high speed, low temperature, roll-to-roll machine on a flexible, light weight polymeric substrate, offer completely new ways of utilizing solar energy.Cell efficiencies higher than 6 % and lifetimes longer than 5 years were recently demonstrated. However, OPV technology must increase its performance significantly to find utility in broader applications. During this talk, we will present some of the important scientific challenges and discuss them from an industrial perspective.

Future challenges for the industry of organic photovoltaics

239th National Meeting (2010)

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