November 19, 2009
Fighting for being ahead, the third generation of photovoltaic
| A lot of chemical and synthetic fabric makers have entered the solar battery industry, one after another, and have actively developed the third generation product called: Organic Photovoltaic (OPV). OPV is the newly developed photovoltaic that uses resin films to make light and thin solar cell modules. Because of its flexibility for placement and design, OPV is expected to be used in windows, walls, clothes, textiles, outdoor equipment and toys. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation announced the launch of OPV with the first shipment of OPV arriving within the next year. Their new product uses a resin film (like polyester) about 1mm in thickness. To make it into OPV, they apply a liquid that includes an organic compound on the base film. Other companies like TORAY and Sumitomo Chemical Co. are busy developing the new materials for electrical generation of OPV that can be used for the power supply of cell phones, notebook computers, and transparent organic compound. Due to the expectation for future market expansion and the recent trend of promoting the use of renewable energy, the efficiency in converting sunlight remains a weakness with the conversion ratio of 5% to 6%, these companies are rushing in commercializing their products as soon as possible. |
