Flexible ITO-free organic Solar Cell Modules

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE conducts research on the technology needed to supply energy efficiently and on an environmentally sound basis in industrialised, threshold and developing countries. To this purpose, the Institute develops systems, components, materials and processes in the areas of the thermal use of solar energy, solar building, solar cells, electrical power supplies, chemical energy conversion, energy storage and the rational use of energy. The primary goal of our research and development activities on organic photovoltaic cells is the development of a low cost solar cell technology in collaboration with industry. To reach this goal, we are developing ITO-free solar cell architectures that can be produced by roll-to-roll compatible processes and investigate light trapping structures to increase the power conversion efficiency. We address the long term stability by investigating alternative electrodes and flexible encapsulations under defined conditions. Fundamental investigations of novel semiconductors, optical and electrical device modelling and the development characterisation methods are covered by our university related activities.