Organic solar cells: the renewable energy of the future?

  • Organic solar cells are flexible, lightweight and cheaper than silicon cells.
  • A recent Chinese breakthrough has improved its efficiency by up to 20%.
  • They are being used in low-power applications, but their scope continues to grow.

flexible photovoltaic cells

Organic solar cells are photovoltaic devices that use organic materials, such as polymers and carbon molecules, to convert solar energy into electricity. Unlike conventional silicon solar panels, these organic panels offer several key advantages: they are flexible, lightweight, and cheaper to produce. In this article, we will explore in depth Photovoltaic cells made from organic materials, its benefits, limitations, application examples and the latest advances, including innovations by Chinese scientists that have improved its efficiency.

Organic photovoltaic cells: an ecological innovation

Organic solar cells represent a more sustainable proposition than traditional silicon-based photovoltaic technologies. They are expected to compete effectively as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels in the future. They use polymers and organic molecules as semiconductors to capture sunlight and generate electricity. clean electric energy.

These cells have the advantage of being able to be manufactured on flexible substrates, such as plastics or metals, which broadens their possible applications. In fact, they are ideal for curved or mobile surfaces, a quality that overcomes the structural limitations of rigid silicon panels. In addition, their manufacturing process is more economical, since it does not require high temperatures or complex purification processes for inorganic materials such as silicon.

However, there is a key challenge: the efficiency of organic solar cells is historically lower than their silicon counterparts, although recent advances — such as that of the Chinese team — are beginning to close that gap.

The use of organic solar cells in Spain

solar panels

In Spain, although organic solar cells are not yet widely used due to their lower efficiency compared to silicon solar cells, more and more low-power applications are being explored. This type of cell has enormous potential in portable devices, sensors and low-energy demand systems.

  • Portable electronic devices: From mobile phones to smart watches, organic solar cells can power small devices, reducing our dependence on traditional power grids.
  • Low-power sensors: Sensors are being developed to measure and control various processes in fields as varied as medicine and environmental monitoring.
  • Lighting: Solar streetlights and traffic signs that use solar energy offer greener alternatives in urban settings.
  • Defense Applications: Portable solar cells are being integrated into military equipment, providing power to sensors and communications devices in remote terrain.

Pros and cons of organic solar panels

Can organic solar cells compete in the global energy market? Below, we explore a compilation of their key benefits. advantages and disadvantages:

Benefits of organic solar cells:

  • Cost reduction: These cells are cheaper to produce compared to silicon cells, making them an economical option for mass applications.
  • Flexibility: They allow great adaptability to irregular surfaces, which considerably expands the range of possible applications (curved roofs and even clothing).
  • Lower environmental impact: By not using materials such as silicon, which are energy-intensive to obtain, organic solar cells have a smaller ecological footprint.
  • Production Ease: These cells can be manufactured on a large scale using printing methods such as roll-to-coil (R2R) coating, which facilitates their mass production at low cost.
  • Durability: Recent research shows that these cells offer considerable resistance to degradation by solar radiation and aging.

Disadvantages of organic solar cells:

  • Lower efficiency: Although they have improved considerably, the average efficiency of organic solar cells is still lower than that of silicon cells. Some versions reach up to 20%, but there is still room for improvement.
  • Limited thermal stability: These cells have lower resistance to extreme temperature and humidity conditions compared to silicon cells, which can limit their applications in harsh environments.
  • Light Sensitivity: Its performance decreases in low light conditions, which can be problematic in areas with low solar radiation or during winter.

Leading brands of organic solar panels in Spain

The organic solar cell market is still developing. However, several brands have already begun to explore its potential in Europe, including Spain. Below, we present some of the most notable ones:

  • Armor: French company that produces flexible and lightweight organic solar cells using thin film technology. These panels are ideal for light industrial and residential applications.
  • heliatek: German company at the forefront of organic photovoltaic energy, offering solutions for integration into buildings and other architectural uses.
  • OPVIUS: Based in Germany, it specializes in the production of highly flexible organic solar cells, ideal for integration into portable electronics and transportation applications.
  • Saule Technologies: Polish company pioneering the development of low-cost organic solar cells, focusing on applications for electronic devices and architecture.

What is the price of organic solar cells?

organic solar cell

The cost of organic solar cells varies depending on the manufacturer, efficiency and number of cells purchased. However, in general, they are cheaper than silicon cells. Here are some estimated prices based on well-known brands:

  • Armor: They range between 0,4 and 1,0 €/W, making them an economical option with low environmental impact.
  • heliatek: Their advanced solutions are priced in the range of €0,7 to €1,0/W.
  • OPVIUS: Although prices may vary depending on custom solutions, they are typically between €0,6 and €1,5/W.
  • Saule Technologies: This company offers products whose price ranges between 1,0 and 2,0 €/W, making possible a greater adoption of these technologies.

A molecule recently developed by Chinese scientists solves this major drawback

A significant breakthrough in the efficiency of organic solar cells has been achieved by scientists at Wuhan University of Technology in China. For the first time, an organic solar cell has achieved an efficiency of over 20%, approaching the levels of silicon cells. This breakthrough, based on the creation of a new molecule called L8-ThCl, could catalyze greater adoption of this technology.

These cells take advantage of an innovative internal structure that optimizes the movement of electrons through the semiconductor layers. The new molecule allows for greater collection of sunlight and therefore more effective conversion into electricity. This makes organic solar cells viable for broader applications, including curved surfaces and mobile devices.

The importance of this innovation cannot be underestimated. Until now, a major impediment to the mass adoption of organic solar cells was their low efficiency. With this breakthrough, organic cells not only become more competitive, but also retain the advantages of low cost and flexibility that make them ideal for future applications in architecture, transportation and electronic devices.

With this information, we hope you have a better understanding of how organic solar cells could revolutionize the future of renewable energy.


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