EnergyPortal.eu

10 years of intensive development work at Denmark's National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Risø DTU, has resulted in a fully operative production line for printing polymer solar cells at Danish company Mekoprint, reports Energy-Supply.dk. The roll-to-roll technology starts with a roll of foil, which goes through various printing and processing stages to emerge as a roll of 5-layer polymer solar cells encapsulated in plastic which can be cut to any length a customer requires. Polymer solar cell technology is still in early infancy compared with the established silicon-based solar cell, and it is hoped that this first production breakthrough will provide the stimulus for continued intensive research and development. Risø DTU's director Henrik Bindslev comments: "The production line at Mekoprint is convincing proof that long-term, result-oriented research pays dividends, and it is a good example of Risø's determination and ability to go the whole way from the first scientific studies in the laboratory to industrial production." According to information on Mekoprint's website, the polymer solar cells have an efficiency of 2.5-3.0% and a lifetime of 2-3 years. The first types of products likely to be commercialised are small, limited energy demand devices like toys and sensor products.

Source: Denmark.dk