ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe’s Color/Construction unit has planned to work with Konarka Technologies, a technology leader in the field of organic solar cells, to develop steel construction elements based on organic photovoltaic (PV) technology.
The solution that is jointly developed will not require mounting on an elevated structure like the conventional silicon-based PV systems.
The development will use Konarka Technologies’ PowerPlastic solar module integrated with a photo-reactive polymer. The polymer can be applied on different substrates when it is dissolved. Substrates include steel, glass, films, textiles and other materials. A thin and flexible layer is applied to the substrates using a continuous, eco-friendly and cost-effective process. The steel roof and facade elements with organic solar cells are available in variety of colors and sizes. Organic photovoltaic technology from Konarka Technologies is 100% recyclable and environment-friendly.
Organic solar cells use maximum energy of the sun and hence they are suitable for use on facades. While producing construction elements, the steel strip is coil coated with plastic coatings, paint or films. These coatings can also be utilized to be applied on the organic PV surface. Alex Valenzuela, VP for Business Development in Europe at Konarka Technologies, stated that they have discovered a potential industrial partner who deploys the automated roll-to-roll processes to create high-quality construction elements.
Source: http://www.thyssenkrupp.com/