Eastman Flexvue™ films are being used as electrodes in flexible photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert light into energy. These PV cells can differ in size and capacity and are used in a variety of conversion systems and light conditions, i.e., some PV cells are optimized for outdoor use and others for low-light indoor applications.
In lieu of conventional heavy silicon PV systems, flexible photovoltaic cells are ideal for applications that demand a lighter weight and a more accommodating formability. This can include architectural facades, building tops, automotive applications, or handheld and wearable devices. In some cases in which conventional solar cells are traditionally used, flexible PV is introducing new application possibilities.
Flexvue films offer tunable properties for the flexible electrodes—ranging from opaque to highly transparent—with sheet resistance from 50 ohm/square down to values below 10 ohm/square. In some cases, catalysts can be added to improve efficiency or special electrode materials can be deposited for chemically aggressive environments.
Eastman has a proven track record of manufacturing film with excellent roll-to-roll product quality and consistency. Flexvue films offer a great variety of design opportunity while meeting different performance characteristics demanded by the end application. We can tailor films to meet specific needs for transparency, conductivity, chemical resistance, etc.
We offer support from application development in our research to upscaling in our plant from machines ranging from 30 cm to well over 200 cm in width. Our application research and technology group is knowledgeable on the latest technologies used in the PV field.