Plastic solar cell developer Konarka has built a demonstrator of a curtain wall with integrated electricity generation.
The wall, to showcase Konarka's technology for next-generation building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applications, is based at the company's New Bedford, Massachusetts operations.
Konarka's semi-transparent Power Plastic is suitable for turning interior glass walls into energy generators because of its low light sensitivity and thermal performance. The solar film is lightweight and performs over a wide range of sunlight angle of incidence.
In the New Bedford facility, Power Plastic is installed in both south and east facing walls, to demonstrate how integration of solar panels into several walls inside a building increases overall electrical output. PV system integration into walls in multi-storey constructions could generate substantial amounts of electricity for a building.
Konarka previously installed a non-transparent curtain wall at partner Arch Aluminum and Glass's headquarters in Tamarac, Florida.
The company has partnerships with several companies helping it target opportunities for BIPV and outdoor PV applications, including Arch and SkyShades.
Building integrated
New Energy Technologies is another US-based organic solar cell developer targeting the BIPV glass market. The company is working on several glass product lines that integrate its semi-transparent PV coating.
There are nearly 5 million commercial buildings in America, according to the Energy Information Administration, and more than 80 million single detached homes. BIPV represents the single largest market for organic PVs and dye solar cells.
The joint venture DyeTec Solar, between materials supplier Dyesol and Pilkington North America, part of one of the world's largest glass producers, is exploring the feasibility of mass manufacturing dye solar glass for BIPV and also automotive-integrated PV markets.
The latest issue of +Plastic Electronics magazine is a nanotechnology special, with a series of articles on the latest technologies and emerging markets for printed nanoelectronics. The magazine will be appearing at the forthcoming NanoMaterials 2011 conference.
To sign up for your copy immediately, click the link below, contact publications@pira-international.com or visit our subscriptions page.
Documents and links
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Konarka
Website for the developers of organic solar cells
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Organic solar cells push efficiency thresholds to 8.3%
European and US organic solar cell developers have recorded 8.3% efficiencies for prototype devices
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Building integration key to success for organic solar cells
OPV cells integrated into consumer electronics products and recharging accessories are an interesting proof of concept, but ultimately not a viable market. OPVs will need to move to rooftop applications to be commercially competitive
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Building design and the potential of third-generation solar cells
Ingo B Hagemann, architect and building-integrated photovoltaic consultant, discusses opportunities and challenges for organic solar cells and other third-generation photovoltaic technologies in the building and construction industry
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