NIST Award Boosts Integrated-Photovoltaics Research

Under the NIST’s advanced technology program, Konarka and Air Products have received $4.7 million to develop transparent building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology. Using these funds, Konarka will further develop its transparent metallic-grid electrode technology for organic photovoltaic (OVP) cells and solar module architecture. Air Products will develop high-conductivity polymers with more efficient charge injection capability in OPV cells, thereby improving overall cell electrical performance.

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) technology is unique among solar energy alternatives in offering the potential for selecting materials for varying levels of transparency, capable of absorbing indoor or outdoor light, either narrowly or broadly in the visible and near-infrared spectrums. The technology will be suitable for use in windows capable of controlling transparency for privacy, regulating the wavelength of light passing through for energy conservation and for aesthetics.