Heliatek GmbH, the global leader in organic solar film manufacturing, has set a new benchmark in energy efficiency for transparent solar cells. These advanced cells achieve 40% light transmittance while maintaining an impressive energy conversion rate of over 7%. This marks a significant leap forward, especially when compared to their previous record of 12% efficiency for opaque organic solar cells.
This breakthrough aligns with Heliatek’s strategic vision to integrate its transparent HeliaFilmâ„¢ technology into building materials, such as windows and roofs, supporting the growing demand for Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). According to CEO Thibaud Le Seguillon, “Transparency is central to our product design. HeliaFilmâ„¢ can be customized to meet the specific needs of our partners. We are not just selling a product—we’re offering a thin, transparent film that combines light transmission with power generation. This unique feature opens up new market opportunities for us.â€
The integration of colored glass or films in architectural and automotive applications helps reduce glare, and now, power-generating films like HeliaFilmâ„¢ offer an additional benefit. For instance, using HeliaFilmâ„¢ on a glass roof not only produces clean energy but also helps automakers earn eco-innovation credits and meet CO2 reduction goals. Similarly, embedded architectural glass panels and windows can scatter natural light while simultaneously generating electricity.
The latest version of HeliaFilm™ achieves an energy efficiency of 7.2% at 40% transmittance under standard test conditions. While this is slightly lower than the 12% efficiency of their opaque counterparts, it's important to note that transparency limits the amount of light absorbed—only about 60% is used for energy harvesting. The 7.2% efficiency still represents a strong performance, and the balance between light transmission and power output can be fine-tuned depending on the application.
To achieve this level of transparency, HeliaFilmâ„¢ incorporates a transparent conductive layer on both sides of the solar cell. This innovative design enables the production of a film that is both functional and visually appealing. The technology relies on small molecules, or oligomers, which are deposited at low temperatures through a roll-to-roll vacuum process. This allows for selective absorption of the solar spectrum, enabling the creation of different colors and levels of light transmission while maintaining high efficiency.
With ongoing advancements, Heliatek continues to push the boundaries of what transparent solar technology can achieve, making it a promising solution for sustainable architecture and transportation.
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