Industrialisation of polymer solar cells, phase 2 Consolidation
The objective of the project 'Industrialisation of polymer solar cells' is to establish low-cost, massproduction of solar cells in Denmark, and furthermore to demonstrate the potential of polymer solar cells in on-grid bulk energy production. The project validates the basic requirements here for, a production cost to a cost of 1 Euro/Wp and an outdoor operational lifetime of minimum 5 years.
The performance of polymer solar cells (OPV) is generally regarded as low compared to conventional solar cells. However, due to a remarkable R&D progress over the past few years, OPV has now reached the performance - and maturity level required for industrialisation. The actual project accordingly addresses transfer ofRisø DTU's OPV technology to commercial partners; Mekoprint AlS and Gaia Solar AlS. The project is divided into three phases. Phase 1 (ongoing) were the basic concept is proven; pilotscaled roll-to-roll (R2R) production of polymer solar cells, applicability of solar cells in selfpowered products and the very first transfer of the R2R process to an industrial site. Phase 2 (actual) is about positioning OPV as a future candidate for bulk-energy production. This means demonstrating competitive production cost and moving from operational lifetimes measured in years to many years. When the cost and stability targets of phase 2 is met (2013), the project is ready for full industrial implementation (phase 3), and a route towards low-cost mass production of OPV is opened. The role of the project partners, Risø DTU, Mekoprint and Gaia Solar, are respectively as supplier of technology, as manufacturer of polymer solar cells and as manufacturer of PV panels
This project formed the second phase of a longstanding cooperation between the solar cell department at RISØ/DTU and the printing company Mekoprint. The project participation has been working on developing a plastic solar cell and transmitting the production technology to an industrial concrete process in a commercialized printing company with now solar cell background.
The technological challenge has been to increase the life and performance of the plastic solar cells. The project has succeed in increasing the life of the plastic solar cells by 2 years and the performance with 4,5 %. Another challenge has been to develop a roll – to – roll production technique where the photovoltaic layer printed on a continuous plastic strip: Mekoprint succeeded at this and they now master the art of a continues production rhythm. The first products made in this phase, are 2000 solar cell laser points and there’s been worked on the marketing of each lightning product based on the plastic solar cells for third world countries.
EUDP has by New Year 2012/2013 granted additional funds for a third phase in the cooperation between RISØ/DTU and Mekoprint, where the end goal is a further doubling in life and performing, a reduction in production price to less than one euro pr. Watt and developing of new commercialized products.
Key figures
Category
Dokumenter
Participants
| Partner | Subsidy | Auto financing |
|---|---|---|
| Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU) | 7,41 mio. DKK | 1,39 mio. DKK |
| MEKOPRINT A/S | 2,11 mio. DKK | 3,16 mio. DKK |
| GAIA SOLAR A/S | 0,13 mio. DKK | 0,13 mio. DKK |
Contact
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet. Risø Nationallaboratoriet for Bæredygtig Energi (Risø DTU)
Frederiksborgvej 399, Postboks 49
DK-4000 Roskilde
www.risoe.dtu.dk
Krebs, Frederik C. , 46774677, frkr@risoe.dtu.dk
Øvr. Partnere: Mekoprint A/S; Gaia Solar A/S
