Printed Photovoltaic

Organic photovoltaics is dedicated to the research of highly efficient, stable and scalable materials (organic molecules and polymers, chromophores and additives) for organic solar cells. In addition, investigations on the use of environmentally and industrially compatible ink formulations for upscaling of solar cells to approximately 30 x 30 cm² are conducted printability by means of different coating methods for industrial applications. As well as printing processes for the production of single layers we also consider the roll-to-roll processes.

Project leader

Dr. Hans-Joachim Egelhaaf

Helmholtz-Institut Erlangen-Nürnberg

R2R Multi-head machine

Building integrated OPV-Modul

Inkjet printed solar portrait

The Pilot Plant

The technikum is the heart of the photovoltaic research and provides a new technology platform for process development. In 2014, all essential equipment was procured and installed at approx. 200 m² laboratory and characterisation area. The equipment enables the possibility for the development of new synthesis methods, which allow the production of larger quantities (litre scale) of inks for roll-to-roll printing. The solar modules are manufactured by combining various printing techniques with laser structuring processes. This makes the manufacturing of complete components in a single operation possible.

Fields of activity

Preparation and characterization of thin solution processed films of small molecules and polymers
Evaluation of existing and development of new coating and printing processes for organic solar cells and solar modules
Analysis and characterization of single layers, multilayers, solar cells and modules
Production of printed solar cells / modules
Development of Electrode materials
Development of structuring procedures and interconnection techniques
Scaling of printed cell layers to industrially relevant sizes (approx. 30 x 30 cm²)
Construction of a roll-to-roll pilot plant for the production of printed solar modules in an inline process and development of coordinated process steps
Lifetime of Organic Electronics: Encapsulation Processes and Investigations of Ageing Processes

Skills

Quality inspection of solar cells

Continuous printing of organic solar cells with different colors

Solution characterization under clean room conditions

Materials sciences for organic, inorganic and hybrid components
Nanotechnology
Coating and printing methods
Characterization and analysis of organic and inorganic thin films
Simulations of the behavior of small molecules and polymers, solar cell and module design as well as flow behavior of inks
Development of environmentally compatible, green formulations
Solar cell and module design
Structuring by means of printing or laser processes
Printing and coating technology for (opto-) electronic thin-film components
Conception and production of solar cells and modules by means of printing and coating processes as well as laser ablation
Characterization of thin film solar cells and modules
Development of ink formulations
Scaling of synthesis and printing processes
Electrical and optical simulation of materials and components
Lifetime and stability of organic solar modules
Project management of complex research projects (incl. acquisition of external funds)
Extensive network in the above-mentioned areas (scientific and industrial), material development and printing processes, solar cells research landscape, industrial partners

Equipment

Glovebox

sun simulator

CO2 Laser

Injekt Printer

Lamination of flexible solar modules

R2R multi-head system

Chemical laboratory for the synthesis of ink formulations
Glove box for processing various materials that need to be protected from air and moisture
Flatbed coating machines with squeegee or slot nozzle
Mini roll coater with slot die and flexography unit
Ink-Jet Printer
Screen printer
Spray coatinger
Loop-Coater with slot die, UV- and IR drying unit
Thermal evaporator for the vapor phase deposition of metals
Roll-to-roll pilot line for inline production of solar cells and modules
Femtosecond laser system for structuring modules
Confocal microscope
Solar simulator for module characterization

Offerings

Evaluation of the printability of new materials for organic solar cells and electronic components
Development of new printing, coating and testing processes for industrial applications
Development of green formulations for new materials

Fields of application