Scientists achieved a certified energy efficiency of 12.25 percent on an area of 1 cm²

In a breakthrough development, scientists from University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) have discovered an innovative organic molecule that absorbs more light than the conventional silicon used in solar cells.

Collaborating with partners from the South China University of Technology (SCUT), the scientists accomplish a certified energy efficiency of 12.25 percent on an area of one square centimeter.

The existing solar PV modules made up of silicon cells are produced using a great deal of energy thus shooting up the production cost. In distinction, the polymer based layers can be transferred onto a carrier film directly from a solution.

Researchers establish that the new material is not just cost efficient but also offers a great deal of flexibility offering a wide range of applications in urban areas.

The high degree of efficiency was achieved through optimization. The new organic material which offers great advances in performances and durability makes it an idyllic contender for being used instead of the silicon based PV cells.

Although for testing commercial feasibility, the researchers had to bring the product to a standard production size which is one square centimeter from laboratory test size of a few millimeters.

Previously, this production size development came with noteworthy energy loss which was tackled by the researches this time and hence they achieved a record high efficiency of 12.25 percent.

This initiates a new phase in organic PV module industry and will considerably reduce the cost of manufacturing these modules.