In Los Angeles, a futuristic scene is becoming reality: people can charge their phones and MP3s simply by walking, thanks to a special material applied on backpacks. Similarly, bus shelter canopies equipped with this technology allow passengers to charge their devices while waiting for the bus. This isn't from a sci-fi movie—it's a real-life innovation made possible by plastic solar cell materials, also known as third-generation solar cells.
These materials are gaining attention as the next big thing in the solar power industry. Recently, Nanjing Ouyinhao Organic Optoelectronics Co., Ltd., located in the Zijin Kechuang District of Nanjing Chemical Industry Park, announced that they have successfully produced organic thin-film solar cell materials. According to Dr. Xiao Shuyong, the company’s chairman, these nano-scale materials offer significant advantages over traditional crystalline silicon and inorganic thin-film solar cells. They are flexible, low-cost, and highly commercially viable, making them the "new darling" of the solar energy sector.
Globally, more than 95 countries are actively researching and developing solar technologies, with over 136 countries already applying them. The first generation of solar cells was based on crystalline silicon, which has high efficiency but comes with high production costs, environmental concerns, and complex manufacturing processes. The second generation introduced inorganic thin-film solar cells, which simplified the process but still relied on expensive materials like indium, a rare element.
The third generation, however, is changing the game. Plastic solar cells, or organic thin-film solar cells, are not only easier to produce and more energy-efficient, but they are also eco-friendly and biodegradable. Current efficiency levels stand at around 10%, with potential to reach 12%. Their cost per watt is about one-tenth of that of polysilicon cells, making them highly attractive for commercial use.
Dr. Xiao emphasized that the flexibility of these materials allows them to be used in various forms—such as printable films or coatings on surfaces. This opens up countless possibilities for integration into everyday objects, from clothing to buildings.
Despite their promising features, large-scale industrial production of third-generation solar cells is still in its early stages. Most customers are research institutions and R&D centers of major companies. Globally, only a few organizations have managed to develop and commercialize these materials. One such example is Canada’s OneMaterial Company, which holds over 10 global patents and collaborates with top firms like Samsung and GE.
Nanjing Ouyinhao, established in the Nanjing Chemical Industry Park, has also taken steps toward mass production. The company’s technology is world-leading, with high-quality trial products and competitive pricing. Although currently used mainly by research institutes, the company aims to expand into the broader market, starting with small projects similar to those in the U.S.
Looking ahead, the goal is to move away from policy-driven growth and instead position solar energy as a competitive, green, and independent source of renewable energy. To meet growing demand, the company plans to build a new factory in the Nanjing Chemical Industry Park soon.
Experts believe that once the efficiency of plastic solar cells surpasses 10%, they will become commercially viable. Current research focuses on improving device performance, including enhancing photon collection, optimizing exciton separation, and reducing internal resistance to increase current output.
Internationally, progress is being made. Researchers at UCLA and Sumitomo Chemical developed a dual-layer system that achieves a 10.6% conversion rate. Meanwhile, scientists at the University of Illinois have found ways to boost energy output using dyed plastic flakes. In Switzerland, CSEM is working on scalable solutions using organic polymers to replace silicon, aiming to make solar panels more accessible for households.
At the University of Sheffield and Cambridge, researchers have developed a mass-printing technique that enables efficient, low-temperature manufacturing of ultra-thin solar cells. With an efficiency of 7-8% now, they aim to push it beyond 10% within the next decade.
As the technology continues to evolve, plastic solar cells are no longer just a concept—they're becoming a realistic and sustainable solution for the future of energy.
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