Development of roll-roll processed, low-cost, and flexible organic solar cells Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Topic No.: N102-174 Topic Title: Development of roll-roll processed, low-cost, and flexible organic solar cells Proposal No.: N102-174-0548 Firm: Solarmer Energy Inc. 3445 Fletcher Avenue El Monte, California 91731-3001 Contact: Vishal Shrotriya Phone: (626) 456-8090 Web Site: www.solarmer.com Abstract: Solar cells based on organic materials, also called organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs), have attracted broad research interest due to their low-cost, flexibility and light weight. However, OPV technology remains in pre-commercial stage primarily due to the lack of manufacturing process. Despite a lot of improvement in efficiency, limited attention has been dedicated to develop production technologies for low-cost and large-scale manufacturing of OPVs. In addition, the lifetime and stability of OPV cells is still questionable. In this proposal, Solarmer Energy proposes a comprehensive research plan which will deal with the challenges of manufacturing OPVs at low-cost and improving stability. The overall goal of this Phase I research project is to demonstrate the feasibility of roll-to-roll production of flexible OPV cells in ambient environment. It is also a goal of this project to demonstrate OPV cells that are stable under continuous incident light. At the end of the proposed project we will demonstrate a flexible, monolithically integrated OPV module with 10 series cells and total module area of 100 cm2, with module efficiency of 5% and T80 lifetime of at least 500 hours under continuous illumination of 1 Sun. Benefits: Even with government subsidies, there still has not been a "boom" in solar energy in the US because of the high cost of traditional PVs. Solarmer's OPV panels have the capability to generate electricity at a cost on par with conventional fuels, making it a cost-effective alternative energy source even without government subsidies. The most valuable long term commercial application is building integrated photovoltaics. This technology has the potential to move the effort for net zero power buildings forward tremendously. Potential applications in this area include roofing, facades, curtains, and walls. In the short term other applications are also very attractive for OPVs. Consumer electronics and the portable power market, where there is a clear need for an alternative or supplement to existing battery technology, is one of the most important short term applications. First products in this category will likely be chargers for portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones and PDAs. Successful commercialization of OPVs will contribute to the reduction of traditional energy consumption, and provide access of clean and affordable energy to more people. In addition, Solarmer intends to set up a manufacturing facility which will employ up to 100 manufacturing engineers, technicians, and associated support staff for manufacturing operations, creating green jobs. Some of the major business sectors that will be directly affected by the research in this grant proposal are energy, building construction, consumer electronics, materials and chemicals, etc. A number of technology sectors such as electronics devices manufacturing, thin film technology, organic materials, chemical synthesis, vacuum systems, etc. will also benefit. The biggest impact of the research would be on the organic electronics industry which is still in its nascent phase, but has great potential. Solarmer can help establish US as a leader in the field of organic electronics. Return