Efficient fully roll-to-roll coated encapsulated organic solar module for indoor applications

Abstract

The recent development of 5G networks has enabled the internet of things (IoT) to emerge as a key factor in the growing global data network. For the IoT, not only are sensors required, but also alternative ways to supply them with the energy they need. Organic photovoltaics (OPV) are a promising solution for energy harvesting and self-generation for low-consumption sensors since they have excellent physical, optical and electrical properties, including being lightweight, having shape freedom, broad-range absorption spectra, semi-transparency, and they are highly efficient even in extremely low-light environments. Here, we report, encapsulated OPV module optimized for indoor applications delivering 18% power conversion efficiency (PCE) under 400 lx LED illumination. All modules were fabricated and encapsulated in air using totally scalable roll-to-roll (R2R) slot-die coating and screen-printing methods made on flexible substrates with non-toxic solvents.