By : Franyi Sarmiento, Ph.D., Inspenet, July 27, 2022
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a technique to scale-up their highly efficient, semi-transparent solar cells that can be used in the windows of houses and buildings.
Organic solar cells, in which the light absorber is a type of plastic, can be transparent. But these cells have lagged behind their silicon-based cousins for power production, due to engineering problems such as low efficiency and short lifespan, but recent work from the Forrest lab has achieved record efficiency. of 10% and an estimated useful life of up to 30 years.
A major challenge in making transparent solar cells is creating the micron-scale electrical connections between the individual cells that make up the solar module. Conventional methods using lasers to pattern cells can easily damage organic light absorbers.
Instead, the researchers developed a multi-step patterning method that achieved micrometer-scale resolution. They deposited thin films and patterned them into extremely thin strips, laying down the organic and metallic layers. The team then peeled back the strips, creating very fine electrical interconnections between the cells.
With a transparency close to 50% and a greenish tint, the cells are suitable for use in commercial windows. Higher transparencies, which are probably preferred for the residential market, are easily achieved with this same technology.
Over time, the flexible solar cell panel will be sandwiched between two window panes. These energy generating window films are intended to be 50% transparent and 10% to 15% efficient. The technique can also be generalized to other organic electronic devices. Researchers are already applying it to OLEDs for white lighting.
This EcoInventos portal material was edited for clarity, style and length.
Source : https://ecoinventos.com/celulas-sollares-semitransparentes-michigan/ – https://news.umich.edu/toward-manufacturing-semitransparent-solar-cells-the-size-of-windows/
Photo : Silvia Cardarelli, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Michigan
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