ICFO has developed an almost transparent flexible organic solar cell

Researchers at the Non-Profit Photonics Science Research Institute, ICFO, have made a breakthrough in solar technology with the development of a new kind of organic solar cell. This innovative design not only maintains high efficiency but also offers flexibility, extreme thinness, and near transparency. These features make it an ideal candidate for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems, where aesthetics and functionality are equally important. Organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs), often referred to as plastic solar cells, use organic conductive polymers to convert sunlight into electricity. While they may not yet match the efficiency of traditional silicon-based solar panels, they bring unique advantages—such as being lightweight, flexible, and capable of capturing indirect sunlight. This makes them particularly suitable for applications where conventional solar panels would be impractical. A major challenge in developing transparent solar cells is balancing transparency with energy conversion efficiency. When OPVs operate at peak efficiency, they tend to be opaque. However, scientists can adjust the design by reducing the thickness of metal electrodes, which allows for translucency at the cost of some efficiency. Now, ICFO researchers have taken this concept further by creating an organic solar cell that is nearly as clear as regular glass. Despite its transparency, the cell achieves an efficiency of around 5.6%, which is roughly half of that of standard opaque organic solar cells. This improvement comes from integrating light crystals within the panel, which enhance the absorption of infrared and ultraviolet light. According to ICFO, these transparent solar cells are especially well-suited for use in buildings, offering a wide range of applications without compromising on design. Beyond their transparency, they can be applied to various surfaces and even adjusted in color by modifying the photonic crystal structure. The research team is currently focused on enhancing the performance, durability, and stability of the technology. Professor Jordi Martorell, the study's lead researcher, expressed optimism about future developments: “We aim to achieve extremely high efficiency and transparency in the near future, making these solar cells suitable for next-generation devices like monitors, tablets, and smartphones.” This groundbreaking research was recently published in the journal *Nature Photonics*, highlighting the potential of transparent solar technology in shaping the future of renewable energy and smart devices.

Binocular People Counter

Binocular People Counter,Footfall Counter Wide-Angle For Retail Chain Store,Binocular Visitor Counter Wide-Angle For Retail Store,Binocular Footfall Counter For Grocery Store

OP Retail (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.opretailtech.com