On Optoelectronic Processes in Organic Solar Cells: From Opaque to Transparent

Organic (semi)transparent photovoltaics (ST-OPVs) promise integrated, sustainable, low-cost energy harvesting solutions. However, current efficiency limitations have to be overcome to make ST-OPV a competitive technology. In this simulation-based work, the effect of the selective transparency on the photoelectronic processes in ST-OPVs is studied and changes in the generation-recombination dynamics and the extraction efficiency are demonstrated that are causally linked to the increased transparency. The study of five model systems with transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) back electrodes and systematically varied extinction coefficients and an opaque cell with Ag back contact allows to quantify these changes in the photoelectronic processes and to address the role of the series and the shunt resistors while keeping all other parameters of the modeled devices identical. The findings demonstrate the increased importance of the active layer quality in ST-OPVs and indicate that ST-OPVs benefit from a wider choice of transparent electrode materials.

Automated summary

Organic (semi)transparent photovoltaics offer integrated, sustainable, low-cost energy harvesting solutions, but face efficiency limitations. Simulation-based research explores the impact of selective transparency on photoelectronic processes, revealing changes in generation-recombination dynamics and extraction efficiency linked to increased transparency. The study highlights the importance of active layer quality and suggests that a wider range of transparent electrode materials could benefit ST-OPVs.