Are organic photovoltaics better than other solar panels?

Organic photovoltaics also have a lower energy payback time than any other form of solar panel, meaning it only takes a few months for them to produce as much energy as they consume throughout their production, transport, installation and ultimate recycling.

What is a strip of photovoltaic cells arranged into a geometric pattern?

Strips of colourful photovoltaic cells are arranged into a geometric pattern to form this artwork, conceived by Dutch designer Marjan van Aubel to bring solar panels from our roofs into our homes.

How do photovoltaic cells work?

Photovoltaic cells are made of special materials called semiconductors like silicon, which is currently used most commonly. Basically, when light strikes the panel, a certain portion of it is absorbed by the semiconductor material. This means that the energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the semiconductor.

What kind of batteries are used in solar panels?

The most commonly used deep-cycle batteries are lead-acid batteries (both sealed and vented) and nickel-cadmium batteries, both of which have various pros and cons. Lithium-Ion batteries are also becoming more common in solar applications. These have more energy storage potential than older designs but are also more expensive.

What are thin-film solar panels made of?

Thin-film solar panels can be made from a variety of materials, including amorphous silicon (which has no crystalline structure), gallium arsenide, copper indium diselenide and cadmium telluride. Another strategy for increasing efficiency is to use two or more layers of different materials with different band gaps.

What is a second-generation solar panel?

Second-generation solar panel technology consists of what's known as thin-film solar panels. While they also tend to sacrifice some efficiency, they're simpler and cheaper to produce — and they become more efficient all the time.