Plextronics, a Pittsburgh based company is touting a world record for organic solar cells. Their new solar cells can convert up to 5.4% of sunlight into electricity.
That does not mean much when compared to a 40% efficiency achieved by solar cells made from inorganic material. Organic solar cells are still important because they are about 5 times cheaper than inorganic solar cells making them ideal for the markets of developing countries. Plextronics’ world record in single layer organic solar cell efficiency is now certified on the books of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo.
The best feature of organic semiconductors is that they can be used in flexible solar cells, since the cheap chips are printed on plastic substrates with a low-cost inkjet printing process. These organic cells are be used in clothing fabric for backup power on the move. That means some day you will be able to charge your cellphone with your shirt…!
Via: Earth 2 tech
