topic Ministry

Organic Photovoltaics - Plastics for Energy from Light

Energy from plastics is the goal in a new research initiative by BMBF and industry. The initiative aims to develop photovoltaic systems at lower cost, that are more versatile, lighter and for large surfaces than solar cells made from silicon.

The use of plastics and synthetics has evolved rapidly since the development of the first fully synthetical plastic material by Leo Baekeland named "Bakelit" 100 years ago. Research has developed electroconductive polymers that have led to synthetics with new properties, now ready for production. The new field of organic electronics has developed, where transistors and diodes are made of organic polymers.

But organic electronics promise even more: On the one hand, light can be produced as a result of a discharge of electrons. On the other hand, light that hits an atom can be used to produce energy. These basic principles of physics lead to a new relation between organic materials and optical technologies.

• Organic illuminants
  Mobile phones and MP3-Player with OLED Displays are prime examples for organic materials with light-emitting functions. The next research objectives are illuminants from organic materials that are large in size, efficient, flexible, light and low-cost - for the wallpaper TV as well as light-emitting wallpaper. BMBF has started a comprehensive research initiative together with industry in 2006.
  
• Organic photovoltaics
  Energy from plastics solar cells ist the aim of a new research initiative. The new photovoltaic systems shall come at lower cost, be more versatile, lighter and for larger surfaces than solar cells made from silicon.

Initiative Organic Photovoltaics

Federal Minister Dr. Annette Schavan and the CEO's of BASF, Bosch, Merck and Schott have started a common research initiative for organic photovoltaics on 27th of  June  2007 in Frankfurt. The initiative is funded with 360 Mio. € in the coming years, 60 of which come from BMBF.

The objective of the initiative are innovative solar cells made of organic polymers with a 10% degree of efficiency and a life span of  2 to 3 years that can be used in mobile devices such as mobile phones or laptops. The initiative shall also contribute to the development of systems for stationary use with an improved power output.