Transparent fabric electrodes for organic photovoltaics (FABRI-PV)

• Research unit: INNOSUISSE
• Project number: 9995.1;9 PFNM-NM

Short description (German)

Transparent fabric electrodes for organic photovoltaics (FABRI-PV)

Short description (English)

Transparent fabric electrodes for organic photovoltaics (FABRI-PV)

Abstract (German)

Thin film photovoltaics is attracting a lot of research attention as a cost efficient renewable energy source. To become a disruptive technology, this second generation photovoltaics has to offer cost efficient production processes, such as roll-to-roll manufacturing. Solar cells require at least one transparent electrode which are commonly made of transparent conducting metal-oxide films (TCOs) since they ally excellent conductivity and high optical transmission in the visible domain. While TCOs coated glass and plastic substrates are presently dominating the market for rigid and bendable devices, there are doubts whether their inherent brittleness would allow fabrication methods where more flexibility is required. Another concern regarding TCOs is related to their scarce constituting metallic elements that may lead to soaring prices in the near future.

Abstract (English)

Thin film photovoltaics is attracting a lot of research attention as a cost efficient renewable energy source. To become a disruptive technology, this second generation photovoltaics has to offer cost efficient production processes, such as roll-to-roll manufacturing. Solar cells require at least one transparent electrode which are commonly made of transparent conducting metal-oxide films (TCOs) since they ally excellent conductivity and high optical transmission in the visible domain. While TCOs coated glass and plastic substrates are presently dominating the market for rigid and bendable devices, there are doubts whether their inherent brittleness would allow fabrication methods where more flexibility is required. Another concern regarding TCOs is related to their scarce constituting metallic elements that may lead to soaring prices in the near future.