Scaling of next generation solution processed organic and perovskite solar cells

Abstract

Why, despite considerable R&D efforts and significant translational investment over the past 20 years, has the technology of solution-processed thin film solar cells not become a commercial reality? The manufacturing cost-to-power conversion efficiency ratio seems persuasive, as do the energy payback and embodied energy metrics. As new perovskite-based semiconductors achieve impressive efficiencies and organic semiconductors enjoy a resurgence, the lab-to-manufacturing translation and scaling questions require urgent attention. This comment addresses the challenges in solution processable photovoltaic technologies faced by scientists and engineers in addressing these questions, and highlights the concept of thick junctions as a promising solution.