Organic Solar Cells to Become Competitive

[jpak]

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Organic-Solar-Cells-to-Become-Competitive-239786.shtml

Photovoltaic solar panels are definitely not a new concept. Experts think they are close to raising the competitiveness of organic solar cells, making them appropriate alternatives to the already popular crystalline silicon.

Heliatek thinks it is on the right path, since its sample cells displayed a 6.0 percent conversion efficiency two years ago, a number verified by The Fraunhofer Institute.

The rate grew to 8.3 percent in only one year. Encouraged by this success, scientists expect to obtain a 10 percent rate by next year.

Organic solar cells (OSCs) , also known as “third-generation solar technology,” come with a long list of benefits, since they are nontoxic, semi-transparent and lightweight.

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[Bob Wallace]

1. 10% efficient and cheap...

Could be a winner for windows. Installation costs are going to be minimal since this would just be added to the glass that will be installed anyway. Just a hookup cost.

Lots of east and west facing windows on large buildings could really extend the solar day.