Semitransparent organic photovoltaics for building-integrated photovoltaic applications

The narrow and intense absorption spectra of organic materials open up the opportunity to develop efficient organic photovoltaic devices that are qualitatively different from other, incumbent solar cell technologies. Their selective absorption spectra make them attractive for applications in power-generating windows that are semitransparent in the visible spectral range, yet absorb strongly in the invisible ultraviolet and infrared spectral bands, thereby providing a viable solution for the generation of clean energy. Here, we review recent progress in semitransparent organic photovoltaics for power windows and other building-applied uses, and discuss the potential strategies to endow them with a combination of high efficiency, visible transparency, neutral colour appearance, prolonged operational lifetime and low efficiency loss when scaled into modules. We also discuss the issues that need to be addressed to achieve further progress.