Mitsubishi Cooperation (MC), the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and Tokki Corporation (TOKKI) have succeeded in developing a new, highly-integrated Organic Photovoltaics (OPV) module. This is probably the world’s first organic photovoltaics module, and will be exhibited at the PV Japan world exposition held from June 24 to 26, 2009, at Makuhari Messe.

 

MC, AIST and TOKKI have been conducting a Joint Research and Development project for OPVs since March 20, 2008. OPVs are a well–known type of third-generation Photovoltaics that use organic materials to make light, thin and colorful film PV modules. OPVs are expected to be used in windows, walls, cloths, textiles, outdoor equipment and toys. These applications have proven difficult for the silicon type of PV modules currently in use, and the hope is that OPVs will be more effective. Until now, however, the efficiency of OPVs in converting sunlight has been a problem. MC, AIST and TOKKI now believe they have developed a highly-integrated technology to solve this problem.

 

The new module uses laser-scribing technology on a glass substrate. Organic semiconductor materials are deposited on the substrate and then divided into several cells with the laser. The technology eliminates the need for, deposition mask patterning, which is used in conventional methods. The new module is highly integrated and should improve sunlight conversion efficiency.