Scientists from New Energy Technologies and the United States Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), involved in the development of New Energy’s SolarWindow technology, have fabricated the largest-ever organic photovoltaic (OPV) module. The 170 cm2 OPV device is over 14 times larger than the earlier OPV modules produced at the NREL.
Dr. Scott Hammond, Principal Scientist, works on SolarWindow(TM) development.
New Energy and NREL have been working together to advance the SolarWindow technology for producing electricity on translucent glass windows. New Energy Technologies’ President and CEO, Mr. John A. Conklin stated that in 2012, their main focus will be to accelerate the commercialization of the SolarWindow technology with high-speed, larger scale manufacturing, higher voltage and increased power output and better transparency.
The current milestone was achieved through the efforts of Dr. Scott Hammond, principal scientist at New Energy, and several NREL scientists. The team has used a solution-processable coating method to apply transparent electricity-generating coatings over the glass surfaces. These coatings, made of polymers, are produced using organic synthesis and then they are applied using different technique, including roll-to-roll (R2R) high-volume, high-speed industrial processes.
When compared to conventional techniques, the high-speed industrial process enables the application of SolarWindow electricity-generating coatings in a more uniform and rapid manner. This has resulted in the fabrication of the new large-area SolarWindow module. The improved R2R manufacturing methods offer various benefits, including decreased cost of energy needed for production, reduced capital equipment expenditure, low labor costs and enhanced environmental control.