Late-Stage Customization in Volume Production of Organic Photovoltaics

Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) in free-form shapes have become a unique feature compared to other thin-film photovoltaic technologies. The ability to conform coated layers to any form of shape or structure is a game changer for OPVs and creates a paradigm shift in conventional energy businesses. As urban growth prevails, the energy requirement must be compensated by modern means, and OPVs provide unique properties where their form or shape can be fully customized. This creates a synergy as they are then easily integrated onto structures or even products. By doing so, not only the space requirements are diminished, but the energy is delivered directly to the point of use rather than having them transported from central harvesting. The present communication discusses the advances in realizing such free-from patterns by structuring the functional layers to shape after they have been deposited, which is referred to as late-stage customization. Using this approach, a precoated generic OPV material can be converted into any design on customer request. The advantages include easier planning, shorter lead times in production, as well as paving the way toward lean manufacturing.