SolarIndustryMag.com: Heliatek Notes New Organic PV Efficiency Record

Heliatek Notes New Organic PV Efficiency Record

in News Departments > Products & Technology

by SI Staff on Wednesday 16 January 2013

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Heliatek GmbH, a provider of organic solar films, says it has reached a record-breaking 12% cell efficiency for its organic solar cells.

This record, established in cooperation with the University of Ulm and TU Dresden, was measured by accredited testing facility SGS. The measurement campaign at SGS also validated the superior low-light and high-temperature performance of organic photovoltaics (OPV) compared to that of traditional solar technologies, according to Heliatek.

The 12% record cell on a standard size of 1.1 cm combines two patented absorber materials that convert light of different wavelengths. Using two different absorber materials creates a stronger absorption of photons and improves energetic utilization through a higher photovoltage, Heliatek explains. Thanks to OPV's unique behavior at high temperatures and low-light conditions, this 12% efficiency is comparable to approximately 14% to 15% efficiency for traditional solar technologies.

The new efficiency record for OPV improves the prior record of 10.7%, which was also set by Heliatek nine months ago.

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