A series connection architecture for large-area organic photovoltaic modules with a 7.5% module efficiency

Abstract

The fabrication of organic photovoltaic modules via printing techniques has been the greatest challenge for their commercial manufacture. Current module architecture, which is based on a monolithic geometry consisting of serially interconnecting stripe-patterned subcells with finite widths, requires highly sophisticated patterning processes that significantly increase the complexity of printing production lines and cause serious reductions in module efficiency due to so-called aperture loss in series connection regions. Herein we demonstrate an innovative module structure that can simultaneously reduce both patterning processes and aperture loss. By using a charge recombination feature that occurs at contacts between electron- and hole-transport layers, we devise a series connection method that facilitates module fabrication without patterning the charge transport layers. With the successive deposition of component layers using slot-die and doctor-blade printing techniques, we achieve a high module efficiency reaching 7.5% with area of 4.15 cm2.

Flexible photovoltaic power systems: integration opportunities, challenges and advances

“…Vacuum deposited low work function metals, typically used as the electron collecting electrode, are also being replaced with electrodes based on solution-processed organic materials [52] or metal oxides [53], enabling fully solution processed devices [39,42,[54][55][56]. Efficiency and stability, which have historically been poorer for OPVs than for most other PV technologies, are being improved through the design of new active layer and contact materials; as well as new architectures such as tandem cells and modules with high geometric fill factors [57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64]. Due to these improvements, many monolithically integrated flexible OPV modules have been achieved using roll-to-roll or roll-to-roll-compatible coating processes [6,[65][66][67][68][69][70][71].…”

Highly efficient and stable organic solar cell modules processed by blade coating with 5.6% module efficiency and active area of 216 cm2

“…Although the majority of the literature on organic solar cells is for small area below 1 cm 2 , in the recent years, there are increasing reports for opaque devices with large active areas over 10 cm 2 . Efficiency (6.5%) was obtained for a tandem structure with active area of 10.5 cm 2 , 7.5% for 16 cm 2 under doctor blade‐coated module, and 7.4% for 16.6 cm 2 by slot‐die coating . With double donors, the efficiency reaches 5.18% for an active area of 20 cm 2 .…”

“…Efficiency (6.5%) was obtained for a tandem structure with active area of 10.5 cm 2 , 17 7.5% for 16 cm 2 under doctor blade-coated module, 18 and 7.4% for 16.6 cm 2 by slot-die coating. 19 With double donors, the efficiency reaches 5.18% for an active area of 20 cm 2 . 20 Efficiency (5.58%) is reached with a nonhalogenated solvent for an active area of 24 cm 2 .…”

Stability of perovskite PV modules

“…Unlike the standard modules without DBL which degrade very fast, the modules manufactured using DBL demonstrate only negligible decay in PCE after 1000 h of damp heat test (85°C and 85%RH), as shown in figure 3(b). Another promising approach originally developed for organic solar cells [34] and later transferred to PSCs [35] was demonstrated by Kang and Lee et al This approach is based on an innovative module structure (see figure 3(c)), where both HTL and ETL deposited without any patterning, while the only photoactive layer is patterned, the charge recombination occurs at the contacts between HTL and ETL. This method not only simplifies the manufacturing process but also prevents the direct contact of perovskite with a metal electrode.…”

“…(a)-Schematic illustration of diffusion barriers within perovskite solar cell modules and (b)-The performance of the encapsulated modules with and without diffusion barriers in heating aging test at 85°C with relative humidity of about 85% for 1000 h[33]. (c)-A schematic image of charge recombination as it occurs in our module reported in the reference[34].Figures (a)and (b) are reproduced from[33] with permission from Elsevier.Figure (c)is reproduced from[34] with permission.…”