Plastic solar cells have long been a promising yet elusive innovation in the manufacturingof solar cells and the production of solar power. The potential of a plastic, or polymer, solar cell was first recognized in the early 1990s. Since that time researchers have worked incessantly to develop a practical, efficient solar cell. Traditionally, solar cells have been silicon based. Silicon, being a natural and abundant semiconductor, is an effective component in converting visible sunlight into energy. However, silicon-based solar cells are bulky and expensive to manufacture. Plastic solar cells promise an affordable, practical solution.

The potential benefits of plastic solar cells are numerous.

• They are produced as a thin, flexible film.
• Their manufacturing cost is roughly one-third that of silicon solar cell technology.
• Plastic cells are lightweight.
• They can potentially be sprayed onto any surface.
• There would be small, negligible installation costs.

However, there are some drawbacks that are keeping polymer cell technology mainly in the research phase rather than in mass market production. While promising innovations are ever being developed and discovered, plastic solar cells are still very inefficient. They convert up to 6-7% of sunlight into energy compared to an average conversion rate of 15-20% for silicon-based solar cells. Also, polymer solar cells are highly susceptible to degradation because of the organic carbon used in production. They do not yet have a lifespan that makes them a viable, long term energy solution for homeowners and industries.

Nonetheless, such inhibitions are merely temporary. Solar cell technology in general is progressing rapidly and every year those potential benefits move closer to reality. Imagine a car that runs by way of a solar panel painted onto its roof or the ability to walk out into a field and “roll out” a large solar farm in a matter of minutes! The future benefits of plastic solar cell technology are seemingly endless. They hold the promise of energy independence, not just for individual countries, but for individual homeowners worldwide.

photo source: National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy

Posted on April 3rd in Solar Information by Dan.