Heliatek sets Organic Photovoltaic world record efficiency of 13.2%

Thanks to the excellent low light and high temperature behavior of the organic semiconductor, the electricity generation of the recently developed cells corresponds to the output of conventional solar cells with 16 to 17% efficiency when both are under real world conditions.

This new result confirms the world-leading technology position of Heliatek as demonstrated by its continuous progress from 3% to more than 13% efficiency over the last 10 years. It also supports its roadmap towards 15% efficient organic solar cells. The result further validates Heliatek's unique technology approach of using vacuum deposition of small molecules on plastic films.

"I am delighted by this latest result," adds Thibaud Le Séguillon, CEO, Heliatek. "It validates our choice to internalise our R&D, both by developing new absorber molecules and optimising the device architecture. This will provide the baseline for efficiency in our large-volume manufacturing line. With our HeliaFilm, we are clearly executing our strategy to provide de-carbonised, de-centralised energy generation directly on buildings all over the world."

The world-record cell is a multi-junction cell combining three different absorbers.  Each of them is dedicated to efficiently convert green-, red- or near-infrared light of the wavelength range between 450 and 950nm into electricity. These absorber molecules have been developed and are patented by Heliatek.

The new record efficiency was measured at simulated AM 1.5 illumination and was confirmed by the Fraunhofer - Centre for Silizium-Photovoltaik - CSP in Halle, a recognised centre for independent verification of solar cell performance results under standard testing conditions.