Heliatek reaches efficiency record with 40 percent transparent organic solar cells

DRESDEN, GERMANY: Heliatek GmbH, world-leading company in the production of organic solar film, has reached a new record in the efficiency of transparent solar cells. The latest development allows transparency levels up to 40 percent with an efficiency of over 7 percent. The company already holds the world record of 12 percent cell efficiency for opaque (non-transparent) organic solar cells.

This lab development underscores the company's strategy to supply its transparent HeliaFilm™ to glass manufacturers for both building integration (BIPV) and car roofs. "The transparency of our products is at the core of our market approach. Our HeliaFilm™ is customized to meet our partners' specific needs," added Thibaud Le Séguillon, Heliatek CEO. "We are a component supplier and this component is a film which can combine transparency and energy generation. This unique combination widens our market potential."

Both these application areas use tinted glass to reduce glare which can be done by applying a film, so changing the film to one that generates electricity as well is a drop-in for manufacturers.

Using HeliaFilm™ in glass car roofs will not only generate energy, but will also allow the car manufacturers to claim Eco-innovation credits towards CO2 emission goals. Architectural glass panels and windows incorporating HeliaFilm™ enable electricity to be discretely generated on the outside envelope of a building.