The key components of organic solar cells are synthetic polymers or small organic molecules. These organic materials have semiconductor characteristics and can absorb sunlight to generate charge carriers (electrons and “holes”). In this way, sunlight is converted into electrical energy.
One of the main advantages of organic solar cells is their manufacturing process. Most organic solar cells can be manufactured using printing technology, which has the advantages of being very inexpensive and capable of mass production. Also, organic solar cells are lightweight, flexible, and can be transparent, allowing for diverse applications.
However, as of now, the efficiency of organic solar cells is lower than that of traditional inorganic solar cells. This is partly due to the limited optical absorption and charge transport properties of organic materials. Also, organic solar cells generally have a shorter lifespan compared to inorganic solar cells. A lot of research is being conducted to solve these problems.
Current research and development on organic solar cells are primarily focused on overcoming these limitations. This includes the development of new organic materials for higher efficiency, optimization of device structures, and development of methods to extend the lifespan. As this research continues, the commercial potential of organic solar cells is gradually improving.
