Ever since the demonstration of the first organic photovoltaic (OPV) cell in the late 1980s, there has been the vision of low-cost solar electricity generation from thin, lightweight, flexible and sustainable devices. Global megatrends demand such products as they provide aesthetic value to objects, structures and buildings besides pure energy harvesting. Nowadays, customized OPV has become a unique solution besides other well-known photovoltaic technologies. The ability to translate thin photoactive films into any shape and their integration into any kind of surface is a game changer and creates a paradigm shift in the energy sector as energy can now be generated and consumed directly at the point of use. The talk will focus on ASCA’s pioneering work in the commercialization of OPV and the numerous projects realized within the latest years that showcase the market readiness of the technology. In addition, technological and manufacturing process related innovations and trends will be discussed.

Ever since the demonstration of the first organic photovoltaic (OPV) cell in the late 1980s, there has been the vision of low-cost solar electricity generation from thin, lightweight, flexible and sustainable devices. Global megatrends demand such products as they provide aesthetic value to objects, structures and buildings besides pure energy harvesting. Nowadays, customized OPV has become a unique solution besides other well-known photovoltaic technologies. The ability to translate thin photoactive films into any shape and their integration into any kind of surface is a game changer and creates a paradigm shift in the energy sector as energy can now be generated and consumed directly at the point of use. The talk will focus on ASCA’s pioneering work in the commercialization of OPV and the numerous projects realized within the latest years that showcase the market readiness of the technology. In addition, technological and manufacturing process related innovations and trends will be discussed.