Plastic solar panels for power generation

What are the different types of plastic solar cells?

The plastic solar cells are further categorised into dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), and small molecule or polymer based organic solar cells. In 1991, the reported PCE of DSSCs was about 7%, and in 2016, it further improved to 14.1% [ 18, 20–22 ].

What is a plastic solar cell?

The researchers at UC Santa Barbara in 1992 successfully made first “plastic” solar cell an OPV device containing a conjugated organic polymer and demonstrated photo-induced electron transfer from poly [2-methoxy-5- (20-ethylhexyloxy)-p-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV) to C 60 .

How efficient are plastic solar cells?

Although significant progress has been made, the efficiency of converting solar energy into electrical power obtained with plastic solar cells still does not warrant commercialization: the most efficient devices have an efficiency of 4%–5% (Askari Mohammad Bagher, 2014 ).

Can plastic solar cells be used as light absorbers?

A novel approach to generate electricity from solar energy is that of using organic polymer materials, that can be processed as easily as plastics, as light absorbers. Unlike today’s semiconductor-based photovoltaic devices, plastic solar cells can be manufactured in solution in a beaker without the need for clean rooms.

What is photovoltaic technology?

Photovoltaic technology is widely used for the conversion of solar radiation into electric current using semiconductors for electrical power generation. These cells are normally equipped with a solar panel made of solar cells containing suitable photovoltaic materials.

Can plastic solar cells be made in a beaker?

Unlike today’s semiconductor-based photovoltaic devices, plastic solar cells can be manufactured in solution in a beaker without the need for clean rooms. They do not require the high deposition temperatures or complex processing as required in inorganic devices, and they can be deposited onto large flexible substrates.