Outdoor Performance of Organic Photovoltaics: Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar cells represent an emerging and promising solution for low-cost clean energy production. Being flexible and semi-transparent and having significant advantages over conventional PV technologies, OPV modules represent an innovative solution even in applications that cannot be based on traditional PV systems. However, relatively low efficiencies, poor long-term stability, and thermal issues have so far prevented the commercialization of this technology. This paper describes two outdoor experimental campaigns that compared the operation of OPV modules with traditional PV modules—in particular crystalline silicon and copper–indium– selenium (CIS)—and assessed the OPV modules’ power generation potential in vertical installation and facing towards the cardinal directions.