Commercialization of Organic Photovoltaics and Its Product Integration: A Perspective Focusing on Durability

Abstract

Energy is a vital commodity for modern society, and it is clear that the growing demand must be satisfied using renewable sources. Traditional photovoltaics, relying exclusively on feed‐in tariffs, are inadequate as cost and logistics involved in transporting electricity from solar farms to locations where it is finally needed are undervalued. A more synergistic approach is required where alternative technologies start conforming to already existing objects or structures to generate power directly at the point of use. Organic photovoltaics's (OPV) unique characteristics make it a vital component in every product that demands energy. With that said, it is not of relevance to generate maximum energy, it is rather important to provide an adequate amount to power a desired application. However, it is finally important that functionality can be warranted over the lifetime of the product. This article provides a perspective on the durability of OPV from a product and integration standpoint with key insights into the driving factors for the commercialization of OPV. It is highlighted that stability is a complex topic involving many different aspects and that it cannot be broken down to just a simple efficiency decrease over time in consequence of device exposure to defined stress conditions.

Challenges to the Success of Commercial Organic Photovoltaic Products

“…[ 6,7 ] In contrast, the highest reported certified PCE for OPV minimodules (module area ≈20 cm 2 ), submodules (module area >200 cm 2 ), and modules are substantially lower, although increasing rapidly. Here, highest certified efficiency benchmarks values span between 8% and 13%, [ 8–10 ] 8% and 12%, [ 6,10–12 ] and 5% and 9% [ 6,13 ] for minimodules, submodules, and modules, respectively. The stability of OPV‐based photovoltaics is also lower compared to their silicon counterparts.…”

“…The stability of OPV‐based photovoltaics is also lower compared to their silicon counterparts. [ 14,15 ] Although device stability is a complex topic and can be evaluated by various methods, [ 4,13,15 ] an often cited performance metric is the retention of the initial PCE as a function of constant light illumination. In this context, initial PCE retentions up to ≈90% after 1000 h of continuous light soaking have been demonstrated.…”

Outdoor Performance of Organic Photovoltaics: Comparative Analysis

“…OPV stability is a complex topic that involves many different aspects [10]: manufacturing processes and materials; environmental sustainability; product safety; efficiency decrease over time due to the device exposure; and absence of visible optical changes such as discoloration and yellowing. In terms of stability, comprehensive analyses are presented in [8][9][10], where some results of the experimental activities are described.…”

“…OPV stability is a complex topic that involves many different aspects [10]: manufacturing processes and materials; environmental sustainability; product safety; efficiency decrease over time due to the device exposure; and absence of visible optical changes such as discoloration and yellowing. In terms of stability, comprehensive analyses are presented in [8][9][10], where some results of the experimental activities are described. Recent studies show how bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics [11] and non-fullerene Energies 2022, 15, 1620 2 of 18 electron acceptors have led to a step change in performance and reduced the problem linked to poor stability in a relatively short period of time [12].…”

Review: materials and modelling for organic photovoltaic devices

“…4 All these qualities should facilitate their integration into buildings and urban designs. 5 It is easy to imagine cities filled with OPV modules.…”