Germany's Heliatek sets world record, manufacturing organic photovoltaic cells with 9.8% conversion rate

German solar cell manufacturer Heliatek G.mbH has successfully produced an organic cell with a conversion rate of 9.8%, setting a world record.

Heliatek specializes in the manufacture of organic photovoltaic cells, which are solar cells composed of a conductive organic polymer or molecule. Organic photovoltaic cells are more economical and flexible to use than non-organic cells.

Heliatek's method of making organic photovoltaic cells is to use raw material deposition at low temperatures, which is a common method used in the field of organic light-emitting diodes. In order to optimize the ability of the cell surface to absorb solar radiation, Heliatek has carried out multiple integrated studies on the selection of raw materials.

A year ago, Heliatek set a world record for organic photovoltaic cells with a conversion rate of 8.3%, and was awarded a certification by the Fraunhofer ISE CalLab assessment agency. This time, the 9.8% record was also assessed by this agency.

Martin Pfeiffer, the company's chief technology officer, said: "Heliatek's organic photovoltaic cells have reached the conversion rate of traditional amorphous silicon solar cells. If the company plans to go according to the production plan in the second half of 2012, this new technology will gradually be reflected in the production line."