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Enhanced Light Utilization in Semitransparent Organic Photovoltaics Using an Optical Outcoupling Architecture
Yongxi Li1, Chengang Ji1, Yue Qu1
1Departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|August 18, 2019
Summary
Transparent organic photovoltaic cells (ST-OPVs) integrated into windows can generate electricity. Novel coatings double light utilization efficiency (LUE) by enhancing visible transmission and reflecting near-infrared light for absorption.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
- Optoelectronics
Background:
- Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) offer a route to generate electricity from windows, reducing waste heat.
- Semitransparent organic photovoltaic cells (ST-OPVs) are a promising technology for BIPV applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the light utilization efficiency (LUE) of semitransparent organic photovoltaic cells (ST-OPVs).
- To develop ST-OPVs with improved visible transmission and near-infrared absorption for BIPV.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of ST-OPVs using a nonfullerene acceptor-based ternary cell and a Cu-Ag alloy electrode.
- Implementation of optical outcoupling and antireflection coatings.
- Characterization of device performance, including power conversion efficiency (PCE), photopic transparency, LUE, and color properties.
Main Results:
- A combination of coatings doubled the LUE compared to conventional ST-OPVs.
- Achieved a maximum LUE of 3.56 ± 0.11% with a PCE of 8.0 ± 0.2%.
- Demonstrated neutral colored ST-OPVs with LUE = 2.56 ± 0.2% and high color rendering index (CRI = 87).
Conclusions:
- The developed optical coatings significantly improve the performance of ST-OPVs for BIPV.
- The technology offers a viable solution for efficient solar energy harvesting in buildings.
- Neutral colored ST-OPVs with good color quality are achievable.
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