Researchers identify keys to improved polymer solar cells

UCLA Engineering - A UCLA graduate student researcher with two of the polymers used in developing more efficient solar cell technology, as well as a polymer blend. Paving the way for lighter and more flexible solar devices, UCLA researchers have identified the key principles for developing high-efficiency polymer solar cells. Today's commercially produced solar panels use silicon cells to efficiently convert sunlight to energy. But silicon panels are too heavy to be used for energy-producing coatings for buildings and cars, or flexible and portable power supplies for use in remote areas. Polymer cells are better suited to these potential uses. Researchers led by Yang Yang, the Carol and Lawrence E. Tannas Jr. Professor of Engineering at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, demonstrated improvement in the architecture and performance of polymer cells.