GB2580960A

GB2580960A - Photovoltaic device, photovoltaic device apparatus and method of manufacturing photovoltaic device

Info

Publication number: GB2580960A
Application number: GB1901410.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Marins James; Andrew Levermore Peter; Paulo Gervásio João
Original assignee: Sunew Filmes Fotovoltaicos
Current assignee: Sunew Filmes Fotovoltaicos
Priority date: 2019-02-01
Filing date: 2019-02-01
Publication date: 2020-08-05
Also published as: WO2020157671A1; GB201901410D0

Abstract

A photovoltaic device 100 comprising a fibre-reinforced composite layer 102, at least one organic photovoltaic device 104, and a gelcoat layer 106 which may make the photovoltaic device rugged, durable, and resist stretching. Preferably the fibre-reinforced composite layer comprises a material such as fibreglass, carbon fibre, an aramid fibre-reinforced composite material, or Kevlar (RTM). Preferably the gelcoat layer is an impact resistant layer and may comprise an epoxy resin. Preferably the device comprises adhesion holes (610, 612, figure 6) so that the gelcoat and fibre-reinforced composite may be connected which may reduce stress and slipping of various layers. Preferably the gelcoat partially blocks ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Preferably a transparent hardcoat layer (404, figure 4) is included over the gelcoat layer.

Description

PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE, PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE APPARATUS AND

METHOD OF MANUFACTURING PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to photovoltaic devices, and photovoltaic device apparatus including aforesaid photovoltaic devices; and more specifically, to an integration of photovoltaic devices, and in particular to the integration of organic photovoltaic devices with fibre-reinforced composite materials. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to methods of (namely, to methods for) manufacturing such photovoltaic devices with organic photovoltaic devices integrated with fibre-reinforced composite materials.

BACKGROUND

Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, conventionally, non-renewable and non-sustainable energy sources, such as fossil fuels, have been a primary energy source to address energy requirements of humans. However, such non-renewable and non-sustainable energy sources are unable to meet an ever-increasing demand for energy and are becoming exhausted at an unprecedented rate. Moreover, the contribution of non-renewable and non-sustainable energy sources towards anthropogenic climate change has been widely studied and scientifically verified; atmospheric Carbon Dioxide concentrations are presently circa 430 ppm and increasing at a rate of circa 3 ppm per year on account of a contemporary utilization rate of 100 million barrels of oil and gas equivalent per day. Furthermore, with advancements in energy technologies, renewable and sustainable energy sources have emerged as a promising, reliable, and long-lasting energy source. For example, with developments in photovoltaic technologies, solar energy has evolved as a potent renewable and sustainable energy source, and is contemporarily widely used.

It is desired that such photovoltaic devices are integrated with (or used in conjunction with) various products in order to harvest electrical energy therefrom. However, the integration of photovoltaic devices into products suffers from numerous technical challenges, for example in respect of the use of the products and efficiency of the resultant solar cells. Primarily, a required optimum balance between robustness and flexibility, for the solar cells and the product, poses durability and efficiency problems. For example, conventional polycrystalline and monocrystalline silicon solar cell products cannot be bent, crumpled, folded or rolled. Typically, existing integration of solar cells into products is achieved using thin film solar cells, such as amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride (CdTe), and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cells and the use of such solar cells makes the products rigid, heavier, thicker, more toxic, and expensive.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with integration of photovoltaic technologies with products.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to provide an improved photovoltaic device.

The present disclosure also seeks to provide an improved method of (namely, an improved method for) manufacturing the improved photovoltaic device. The present disclosure is capable of providing an improved integration of an organic photovoltaic device with a fibre-reinforced composite layer such that the ruggedness and durability of the organic photovoltaic device is significantly enhanced.

In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a photovoltaic device, characterised in that the photovoltaic device comprises: a fibre-reinforced composite layer; at least one organic photovoltaic device; and a gelcoat layer, wherein the at least one organic photovoltaic device is disposed on the fibre-reinforced composite layer, and the gelcoat layer is disposed on the at least one organic photovoltaic device; and wherein, the at least one organic photovoltaic device comprises: a substrate; a first electrode; at least one organic photovoltaic layer; and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode is disposed on the substrate, the at least one organic photovoltaic layer is disposed on the first electrode, and the second electrode is disposed on the at least one organic photovoltaic layer.

In one or more embodiments, the photovoltaic device further zo comprises: a first barrier layer; a first barrier adhesive layer; a second barrier layer; and a second barrier adhesive layer, wherein: the first barrier layer and the first barrier adhesive layer are disposed between the fibre-reinforced composite layer and the at least one organic photovoltaic device; the first barrier layer is disposed on the fibre reinforced composite layer; the first barrier adhesive layer is disposed on the first barrier layer; the at least one organic photovoltaic device is disposed on the first barrier adhesive layer; the second barrier layer and the second barrier adhesive layer are disposed between the at least one organic photovoltaic device and the 5 gelcoat layer; the second barrier adhesive barrier layer is disposed on the at least one organic photovoltaic device; the second barrier layer is disposed on the second barrier adhesive layer; and the gelcoat layer is disposed on the second barrier layer.

In one or more embodiments, the photovoltaic device further comprises a first organic photovoltaic adhesive layer, wherein the first organic photovoltaic adhesive layer is disposed between the fibre-reinforced composite layer and the at least one organic photovoltaic device.

is In one or more embodiments, the material used in the first organic photovoltaic adhesive layer has a composition that at least partially includes a same material used for fabricating the gelcoat layer.

In one or more embodiments, the composition of the material used in the first organic photovoltaic adhesive layer is at least 90% the same as 20 the material used for fabricating the gelcoat layer.

In one or more embodiments, the photovoltaic device further comprises at least one charge transport layer.

In one or more embodiments, the photovoltaic device has an area density of less than or equal to 10 kg/m2, optionally less than or equal 25 to 5 Kg/m2 and more optionally less than or equal to 2 kg/m2.

In one or more embodiments, the photovoltaic device has a thickness in a range of 0.5 mm to 50 mm, optionally in a range of 1.0 mm to 10 mm, and more optionally in a range of 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm.

In one or more embodiments, the photovoltaic device comprises multiple organic photovoltaic devices included between the fibre-reinforced composite layer and the gelcoat layer.

In one or more embodiments, the fibre-reinforced composite layer is s fabricated using at least one material selected from a group comprising: a glass fibre-reinforced composite material (fibreglass), a carbon fibre-reinforced composite material (carbon fibre), an aramid fibre-reinforced composite material, including Kevlar® fibre-reinforced composite material (Kevlar®).

In one or more embodiments, the fibre-reinforced composite layer is fabricated using a glass-fibre reinforced composite (fibreglass) material.

In one or more embodiments, the fibre-reinforced composite layer is fabricated using a carbon fibre-reinforced composite (Carbon fibre) material.

In one or more embodiments, the fibre-reinforced composite layer is fabricated using an aramid fibre-reinforced composite materials.

In one or more embodiments, the fibre-reinforced composite layer comprises at least one further material, including one or more of a plastics material, a thermoplastics material, a polymer material, a thermoset polymer material, a thermoplastic polymer material, a resin material, a thermoset material, an epoxy resin material, a polyester material, a vinyl ester material and a nylon material.

In one or more embodiments, the gelcoat material comprises a resin, a thermosetting polymer, an epoxy, an epoxy resin, and an unsaturated 25 polyester resin.

In one or more embodiments, the gelcoat layer comprises a cross-linkable material, including a thermally cross-linkable material.

In one or more embodiments, the gelcoat layer has a hardness harder than or equal to F, optionally harder than or equal to 3H, and more optionally harder than or equal to 5H, as measured using Pencil Hardness Test: ISO 15184 Paints and Varnishes -Determination of Film Hardness by Pencil Test.

In one or more embodiments, the gelcoat layer has an impact resistance greater than or equal to 5 3/m, optionally greater than or equal to 10 3/nn, and more optionally greater than or equal to 25 3/m, as measured on the ASTM D256-10 (2018) Standard Test Method for Determining the Izod Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastics.

In one or more embodiments, the gelcoat layer is at least partially transparent, wherein the gelcoat layer transmits more than 80% of incident light, optionally more than 90% of incident light, and more optionally more than 95% of incident light.

In one or more embodiments, the gelcoat layer at least partially blocks ultra-violet (UV) radiation, wherein the gelcoat layer blocks more than 90% of UV radiation, optionally more than 95% of UV radiation, and more optionally more than 99% of UV radiation.

In one or more embodiments, the gelcoat layer is processed at a low 20 temperature, during manufacture of the photovoltaic device, wherein the low temperature is less than 120 °C, optionally less than 100 °C, and more optionally less than 80 °C.

In one or more embodiments, the photovoltaic device is at least partially transparent to incident light in a wavelength range of 380 nm 25 to 780 nm, wherein the photovoltaic device transmits more than 5% of the incident light, optionally more than 10% of the incident light.

In one or more embodiments, the photovoltaic device further comprises a hardcoat layer, wherein the hardcoat layer is disposed over the gelcoat layer.

In one or more embodiments, the photovoltaic device further comprises one or more via adhesion holes, wherein the one or more via adhesion holes connect the fibre-reinforced composite layer with the gelcoat layer, and wherein the one or more via adhesion holes are at least partially filled with a same material as used in the gelcoat layer.

In one or more embodiments, the photovoltaic device is implemented in one of: a boat, such as a sailboat, a speedboat, a yacht, a canoe or a kayak, a stand-up paddle board, a surf board, an aircraft, a car, a storage tank, a pipeline, a propeller, a mobile electronic device, such as a laptop, tablet or cell phone, a case for a mobile electronics device, such as a laptop, tablet or cell phone, a swimming pool, an item of furniture, such as an item of house furniture, an item of garden furniture, an item of street furniture, or an item of urban furniture, a plant pot, a waste bin, a light fixture, a safety helmet, a trailer, or a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, a bus, a truck, a tractor or a drone.

In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a 20 method of (namely, a method for) manufacturing a photovoltaic device, characterized in that the method includes: (i) fabricating a fibre-reinforced composite layer; (ii) fabricating at least one organic photovoltaic device onto the fibre-reinforced composite layer; and (iii) fabricating a gelcoat layer onto the at least one organic photovoltaic device, wherein the at least one organic photovoltaic device is disposed on the fibre-reinforced composite layer, and the gelcoat layer is disposed on the at least one organic photovoltaic device, and wherein, the method further includes fabricating the at least one organic photovoltaic device to comprise: a substrate; a first electrode; at least one organic photovoltaic layer; and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode is disposed on the substrate, the at least one organic photovoltaic layer is disposed on the first electrode, and the second electrode is disposed nr the at least one organic photovoltaic layer.

In one or more embodiments, the method further includes: (i) forming one or more via adhesion holes, wherein the one or more via adhesion holes connect the fibre-reinforced composite layer with the gelcoat layer; and (ii) at least partially filling the one or more via adhesion holes with a same material as used in the gelcoat layer.

Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction 20 with the appended claims that follow.

It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein: FIG. 1 shows block diagrams of a photovoltaic devices, in accordance

with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGs. 2 to 6 are block diagrams of exemplary photovoltaic devices, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; schematic illustration of a photovoltaic cell device assembled FIG. 7 is a using photovoltaic devices of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 8 to 17 are schematic illustrations depicting various FIGs.

implementations of photovoltaic devices, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; and FIG. 18 is an illustration of steps of a method of (namely, a method for) manufacturing a photovoltaic device, in accordance with an

embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined 25 number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In overview, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned with a photovoltaic device comprising one or more organic photovoltaic devices. Several embodiments of a photovoltaic device are provided.

s The described embodiments disclose a photovoltaic device comprising one or more organic photovoltaic devices. The described embodiments provide examples of how a fibre-reinforced composite material may be used in combination with at least one organic photovoltaic device and a gelcoat material to enable an improved photovoltaic device.

Referring firstly to FIG. 1, there is provided an illustration of a block diagram of a photovoltaic device 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "photovoltaic device" relates to an arrangement of both electronic and non-electronic elements that are positioned and/or disposed over a fibre-reinforced composite material in a specific manner for harnessing solar energy that is incident thereupon when in operation. The multilayer construction of the photovoltaic device 100 may include various coatings, such as, adhesive layers, protective coatings, and so forth. The protective coatings may resist, when in use, an ingress of water and Oxygen, thereby resisting, for example preventing, a temporal degradation of the photovoltaic device 100.

Optionally, the photovoltaic device 100 employs a laminated solar architecture including one or more semi-transparent solar modules enclosed therein. Furthermore, the photovoltaic device 100 functions (namely, is operable) to harness energy from both sunlight and artificial light, such as incandescent and fluorescent light. Additionally, the photovoltaic device 100 of the present disclosure includes a fibre-reinforced composite layer for providing a durable nature to the photovoltaic device 100. The durability may provide resilience to the photovoltaic device 100 in various circumstances and conditions for the implementation thereof. Moreover, the durable nature of the photovoltaic device 100 provides enhanced ruggedness thereto, and resists the malfunctioning thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1, the photovoltaic device 100 comprises (in sequence) a fibre-reinforced composite layer 102, an at least one organic photovoltaic (OPV) device 104, and a gelcoat layer 106. In each embodiment, and as shown for the photovoltaic device 100 in FIG. 1, the at least one OPV device 104 is disposed on the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102, and the gelcoat layer 106 is disposed on the at least one OPV device 104. Optionally, a plurality of organic photovoltaic devices 104 are included between the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102 and the gelcoat layer 106.

Herein, the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102 is made of a fibre-reinforced composite material. The term "fibre-reinforced composite material" (US English: "fiber-reinforced composite material") is intended to comprise all composite materials that comprise at least one fibre material and at least one further material. The strength and/or performance of the at least one further material may be enhanced by impregnation of the at least one fibre material into the at least one further material within the composite material. Moreover, selection of the at least one fibre material is based, for example, on a higher stiffness index or a higher flexibility index. It will be appreciated that, the variation in the at least one fibre material may result in the variation of the flexural rigidity and optical efficiency of the photovoltaic device 100. Examples of the at least one fibre material include glass fibre (fibreglass), carbon fibre and Kevlar®. Examples of the at least one further material include plastics materials, resins, and in particular epoxy resins.

In one embodiment, the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102 may be 30 composed of a material comprising at least one of Carbon, glass (for example, Silicon Dioxide) or Aramid-type fibres. In one embodiment, a hybrid combination of fibreglass material and Carbon fibre, for example in various ranges of mixtures, may also be employed, wherein the fibreglass acts a fire retardant in some situations where fires may be a risk, and the Carbon fibre provides light weight and high strength thereto. In one embodiment, the fibre-reinforced composite layer is fabricated using at least one material selected from a group including: a glass fibre-reinforced composite material (fibreglass), a Carbon fibre-reinforced composite material (Carbon fibre), an Aramid fibre-reinforced composite material, including all fibres composed of hot-stretched, high density polyethylene, with common commercial names known being Kevlar® and Twaron®). Optionally, stress hardened polyethylene fibres, Dyneema®, are employed for manufacturing the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102.

In one embodiment, fibres in the fibre-reinforced composite layer may have diameter in the range of 0.5 microns to 50 microns, and optionally in the range of 1 micron to 25 microns. In one embodiment, the fibres in the fibre-reinforced composite layer may have length in the range of 0.5 mm to 50 mm, and optionally in the range of 1 mm to 25 mm.

In one embodiment, the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102 comprises a glass fibre-reinforced material (fibreglass). In one embodiment, the fibreglass material comprises glass fibre. In one embodiment, the fibreglass material comprises E-glass (alumino-borosilicate glass with less than approximately 1% weight alkali oxides), A-glass (alkali-lime glass with little or substantially no boron oxide), E-CR-glass (aluminolime silicate with less than approximately 1% weight alkali oxides, with high acid resistance), C-glass (alkali-lime glass with high boron oxide content, also including the variant T-glass), D-glass (borosilicate glass with low dielectric constant), R-glass (alumino silicate glass without MgO and CaO with high mechanical requirements), and S-glass (alumino silicate glass without CaO, but with high MgO content with high tensile strength, sometimes also referred to as R-glass). In one embodiment, the fibreglass material comprises at least one further material that functions as a host matrix. In one embodiment, the at least one further material comprises a plastics material, a thermoplastics material, a polymer material, a thermoset polymer material, a thermoplastic polymer material, a resin material, a thermoset material, an epoxy resin material, a polyester material, a vinyl ester material, a nylon material. In one embodiment, the at least one further material comprises unsaturated, orthophthalic, thixotropic, low viscosity and/or low reactivity polyester resin material. Such a fibreglass material may be particularly well suited to general applications. In one embodiment, the at least one further material comprises isophthalic, bisphenolic, and/or terephthalic resin. Such a fibreglass material may be particularly well suited to applications where there is a need for high chemical resistance.

In one embodiment, the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102 comprises a carbon fibre-reinforced material (Carbon fibre). In one embodiment, the carbon fibre material comprises graphite fibre material. In one zo embodiment, the carbon fibre material comprises Carbon nanotube material. In one embodiment, the Carbon fibre material comprises at least one further material that functions as a host matrix. In one embodiment, the at least one further material comprises a plastics material, a thermoplastics material, a polymer material, a thermoset polymer material, a thermoplastic polymer material, a resin material, a thermoset material, an epoxy resin material, a polyester material, a vinyl ester material, a nylon material. In one embodiment, the Carbon fibre material comprises at least one of an aramid material, including Kevlar® and Twaron®, Aluminium, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), glass fibre and similar.

In one embodiment, the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102 comprises an aramid fibre reinforced material. In one embodiment, the fibre-reinforced composite material comprises aramid fibre material. In one embodiment, the fibre-reinforced composite material comprises polyparaphenylene terephthalamide fibre material. In one embodiment, the fibre-reinforced composite material comprises a Kevlar® fibre-reinforced material (Kevlar®). In one embodiment, the fibre-reinforced material comprises at least one of Kevlar® K29, Kevlar® K49, Kevlar® K100, Kevlar® K119, Kevlar® K129, Kevlar® AP, Kevlar® XP, Kevlar® KM2 material. In one embodiment, the fibre-reinforced composite material comprises a Nomex® material (i.e. poly (m-phenylenediamine isophthalamide)) which is a flame-resistant meta-aramid material. In one embodiment, the fibre-reinforced composite material comprises a Twaron® material (also known as, Fiber X or Arenka) which is a para-aramid material. In one embodiment, the fibre-reinforced composite material comprises a Technora® material. In one embodiment, the fibre-reinforced composite material comprises at least one further material that functions as a host matrix. In one embodiment, the at least one further material comprises one or more of a plastics material, a thermoplastics material, a polymer material, a thermoset polymer material, a thermoplastic polymer material, a resin material, a thermoset material, an epoxy resin material, a polyester material, a vinyl ester material, a nylon material, and the like.

Various processes may be used for forming and shaping the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102. A choice of process used will depend on the analysis of the shape, size and scale of production of the desired end product. The final shape of the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102 is obtained by forming the molding compound, through molds and molding processes suitable for each case. The integration of the at least one organic photovoltaic device can take place at any stage in the manufacturing process and in any type of mold, respecting only the flexibility characteristics of the film. The molds used may be of an open type or a closed type, according to the product and the production process to be adopted. The present disclosure is intended to cover and apply to all production processes that can be employed in practice. The choice of production process for the fibre-reinforced composite material will depend on the type of product and the industrial scale that is intended to be achieved. The process can be by manual lamination, by spray gun, by infusion or by vacuum. There are several production techniques according to the desired application, such as autoclave cure, vacuum-bagging, electron-beam induced curing, pre-impregnation, RTM (resin transfer molding), VARTM (vacuum assisted resin transfer molding) and others.

In one embodiment, the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102 is a transmissive layer. In an example embodiment, the fibre-reinforced is composite layer 102 has a transmittance greater than approximately 5%. In an example embodiment, the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102 has a transmittance greater than approximately 100/0. Such a transmittance may be of advantage in that a fibre-reinforced composite layer 102 with at least partial transmittance may enable various applications to be addressed by embodiments of the present disclosure, as will be described in greater detail below.

Optionally, the at least one organic photovoltaic device 104 is associated with a quantum efficiency in a range of 1% to 100/0, optionally in a range of 3% to 8%, more optionally in a range of 4% to 6%. It will be appreciated that, although the at least one organic photovoltaic device comprising organic photovoltaics may have a relatively lower quantum efficiency of circa 5% associated with conversion of incident sunlight to corresponding electrical power, such as in comparison to circa 15% to 18% for CdTe and GIGS photovoltaics, organic photovoltaics are potentially far less expensive, more versatile and considerably less toxic than CdTe or CIGS photovoltaics. Therefore, the at least one organic photovoltaic device 104 can be implemented with a wider range of products for harnessing energy from incident sunlight and at lower cost as compared to photovoltaic devices comprising CdTe or CIGS photovoltaics.

In one embodiment, the gelcoat layer 106 may be fabricated using a gelcoat material. In one embodiment, the gelcoat material may comprise a resin. In one embodiment, the gelcoat material may comprise one or more thermosetting polymers. In one embodiment, the gelcoat material may comprise an epoxy. In one embodiment, the gelcoat material may comprise an epoxy resin. In one embodiment, the gelcoat material may comprise an unsaturated polyester. In one embodiment, the gelcoat material may comprise an unsaturated polyester resin. In one embodiment, the gelcoat material may comprise a cross-linkable material. In one embodiment, the gelcoat material may comprise a thermally cross-linkable material. In one embodiment, the gelcoat material may comprise Scuna Sistemas Epoxi Adesivo Impregnante Epoxi 5100. In one embodiment, the gelcoat material may comprise Scuna Sistemas Epoxi Adesivo Impregnante Epoxi 9100. In one embodiment, the gelcoat material may comprise a dual component resin of Coninco Condite 210 Parte A and Parte B. In one embodiment, the gelcoat material may comprise a dual component epoxy resin of Barracuda AR260 and Barracuda AH260. In one embodiment, the gelcoat may comprise an epoxy resin of Nanopoxy Resina N190.

The gelcoat layer 106 is required to be at least partially optically transparent. In one embodiment, the gelcoat layer 106 has a transmittance greater than or equal to approximately 80%. In one embodiment, the gelcoat layer 106 has a transmittance greater than or equal to approximately 90%. In one embodiment, the gelcoat layer 106 has a transmittance greater than or equal to approximately 95%. In one embodiment, the gelcoat layer 106 may be substantially colourless. In other words, the gelcoat layer 106 transmits more than 80% of incident light, optionally more than 90% of incident light, and more optionally more than 95% of incident light; such light is included, for example, in an electromagnetic radiation wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm.

In one embodiment, the gelcoat layer 106 is a hard layer. Optionally, the gelcoat layer 106 has a hardness harder than or equal to F, optionally harder than or equal to 3H, and more optionally harder than or equal to 5H, as measured using Pencil Hardness Test: ISO 15184 Paints and Varnishes -Determination of Film Hardness by Pencil Test. Such a gelcoat layer 106 may protect the at least one organic photovoltaic device 104 from scratching, and may thereby extend the shelf and operational lifetime of the photovoltaic device 100 and enable a broader range of applications to be realized.

In one embodiment, the gelcoat layer 106 is an impact resistant layer. Optionally, the gelcoat layer 106 has an impact resistance greater than or equal to 5 Jim, optionally greater than or equal to 10 J/m, and more optionally greater than or equal to 25 Jim, as measured on the ASTM D256-10 (2018) Standard Test Method for Determining the Izod Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastics. Such a gelcoat layer 106 may protect the at least one organic photovoltaic device from impact, and may thereby extend the shelf and operational lifetime of the photovoltaic device 100 and enable a broader range of applications to be realized in practice.

In one embodiment, the gelcoat layer 106 may at least partially block ultra-violet (UV) light, for example ultra-violet radiation having an electromagnetic radiation wavelength in a range of 10 nm to 380 nm. Optionally, the gelcoat layer 106 blocks more than 90% of UV radiation, optionally more than 95% of UV radiation, and more optionally more than 99% of UV radiation. Such a gelcoat layer 106 may be of advantage in that a substantial proportion of UV light may be prevented from being incident on the at least one organic photovoltaic device 104, thereby reducing degradation of the at least one organic photovoltaic device 104 and may thereby extend the shelf and operational lifetime of the photovoltaic device 100 and enable a broader range of applications to be realized in practice.

In one embodiment, the gelcoat layer 106 may be processed at low temperature. Optionally, the gelcoat layer 106 may be processed at a temperature of less than 120 °C, optionally at less than 100 °C, and more optionally less than 80 °C. Such a gelcoat layer 106 may be of advantage in that the gelcoat layer 106 may be processed, including any necessary coating and curing process steps, at a temperature that is low enough not to damage or adversely affect the performance of the at least one organic photovoltaic device 104.

In each embodiment, and also as shown for the photovoltaic devices 100 in FIG. la and 120 in FIG lb., the at least one organic photovoltaic device 104 comprises a substrate 108, a first electrode 110, an at least one organic photovoltaic layer 112 and a second electrode 114, wherein the first electrode 110 is disposed on the substrate 108, the at least one OPV layer 112 is disposed on the first electrode 110, and the second electrode 114 is disposed on the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 112. By "disposed" is included, for example, at least one of: printed, vacuum deposited, precipitated, painted, sprayed and so forth. Note that a layer may be "disposed on" another layer without being in direct contact with the other layer. There may be one or more additional layers inbetween. Also note that a for layer to be "disposed on" another layer, it may be above or below the other layer.

According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. la, the substrate 108 is disposed nearest to the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102, the first electrode 110 is disposed over the substrate 108, the at least one OPV layer 112 is disposed over the first electrode 110, the second electrode 114 is disposed over the at least one OPV layer 112, and the gelcoat layer 106 is disposed over the second electrode layer 114. Although, the shown sequence of the substrate 108, the first electrode 110, the at least one organic photovoltaic (OPV) layer 112 and the second electrode 114 is preferred in some instances, it shall be appreciated that the at least one OPV device 104 may have the various layers arranged in other suitable sequences as well without any limitations.

According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. lb, the substrate 108 is disposed nearest to the gelcoat layer 106, the first electrode is 110 is disposed under the substrate 108, the at least one OPV layer 112 is disposed under the first electrode 110, the second electrode 114 is disposed under the at least one OPV layer 112, and the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102 is disposed under the second electrode layer 114. Although, the shown sequence of the substrate 108, the first electrode 110, the at least one organic photovoltaic (OPV) layer 112 and the second electrode 114 is preferred in some instances, it shall be appreciated that the at least one OPV device 104 may have the various layers arranged in other suitable sequences as well without any limitations.

It will be appreciated that the substrate 108 may be transparent, semitransparent, opaque and/or reflective. Furthermore, the substrate 108 may be a thin film layer that provides support to the at least one organic photovoltaic device 104. The substrate 108 may comprise any suitable material that provides the desired structural and optical properties. The substrate 108 may be flat or curved. Preferred substrate materials are plastic and metal foil. Other substrate materials, such as fabric, paper and glass may be used. Optionally, the substrate 108 is manufactured from polymer or semi-polymer material, such as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) or Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN), which may enhance the flexibility and durability of the substrate thereof. The material and thickness of the substrate 108 may be chosen to obtain desired structural and optical properties.

It will be appreciated that the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 114 include a positive and a negative electrode. The first and second electrodes 110, 114 are configured to have opposite polarity, with the first electrode 110 being a negative or positive electrode, and the second electrode 114 having opposite polarity from the first electrode 110. In such an example implementation, the at least two electrodes are arranged in a manner wherein the negative electrode may be transparent to enable passage of light. By "transparent" is meant, for example, to have an optical transmission of light in the range of wavelengths from 380 nm to 780 nm therethrough that is greater than 80%, optionally greater than 90%. Optionally, the negative electrode is fabricated from a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). Alternatively, the negative electrode optionally comprises a multilayer structure of a metal layer, such as a metal layer including silver (Ag), sandwiched between layers of TCO. Optionally, the positive electrode may be transparent to enable passage of light. By "transparent" is meant, for example, to have an optical transmission of light in the range of wavelengths from 380 nm to 780 nm therethrough that is greater than 80%, optionally greater than 90%. Optionally, the positive electrode is fabricated from a layer or grid of gold, aluminium, copper or silver, carbon or silver nanowires or carbon or silver nanoparticles.

Optionally, the positive electrode is fabricated from a semi-transparent or opaque layer of gold, aluminium, copper or silver, carbon or silver nanowires or carbon or silver nanoparticles. Optionally, the positive electrode is fabricated from a semi-transparent layer of polymer, such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate. Optionally, the positive electrode is fabricated from a combination of any of the aforementioned layers.

In one embodiment, the at least one OPV layer 112 may include at least two principle components. In such an example implementation, the at least one OPV layer 112 may include at least one donor which absorbs received light, for example sunlight, and at least one acceptor which extracts electrons from an excitonic bound electron-hole pair, resulting in an electron traveling in the at least one acceptor phase of the OPV layer 112 and a hole traveling in the at least one donor phase. In one embodiment, the at least one donor and at least one acceptor are arranged in a distributed heterojunction. Such an arrangement may be of advantage because it may increase the flexibility of the OPV layer 112 and therefore the at least one organic photovoltaic device 110.

It should be understood that the term "distributed heterojunction" refers to the physical arrangement of donor and acceptor materials in the organic photovoltaic layer. In some other sources, the term "bulk heterojunction" is used to describe this arrangement. It should be understood that the terms "distributed heterojunction" and "bulk heterojunction" refer to the same physical arrangement of donor and acceptor, and that the terms may be used interchangeably.

Optionally, the donor may comprise an organic small molecule material, an organic polymer material or an organic dendrimer material. Optionally, the donor may be a polymer. Optionally, the donor may be a polymer comprising one or more thiophene moieties. One example of such a donor is P3HT. Optionally, the donor may be a low energy band gap polymer with an energy band gap of less than or equal to 2.0 eV.

One example of such a donor is PffBT4T-2DT. One further example of such a donor is PTB7-Th.

Optionally, the acceptor may comprise an organic small molecule material, an organic polymer material or an organic dendrimer material. Optionally, the acceptor may be a fullerene material. One example of such an acceptor is PCBM. One further example of such an acceptor is PC71BM. Optionally, the acceptor may be a non-fullerene material. One example of such an acceptor is O-IDTBR. One further example of such an acceptor is EH-IDTBR.

In one embodiment, the at least one OPV layer 112 comprises at least one donor and at least one acceptor. The donor material may be a polymer material, a small molecule material or a dendrimer material. The acceptor material may be a polymer material, a small molecule material or a dendrimer material. In one example, the at least one OPV layer 112 comprises at least one polymer donor and at least one small molecule acceptor. In one example, the at least one OPV layer 112 comprises at least one polymer donor and at least one small molecule acceptor that is a fullerene material. One such example of an OPV layer 112 is P3HT:PCBM, where P3HT is a polymer donor, and PCBM (Phenyl-C61-Butyric Acid Methyl Ester) is a fullerene acceptor, as described in Holliday et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety (full reference details defined below).

In one example, the at least one OPV layer 112 comprises at least one polymer donor, and at least one small molecule acceptor that is a non-fullerene material. One such example of an OPB layer 112 is P3HT:0-IDTBR, where P3HT is a polymer donor, and O-IDTBR is a non-fullerene acceptor, as described in Holliday et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. One further example of such an OPV layer 112 is PffBT4T-2DT:EH-IDTBR, where PffBT4T-2DT is a polymer donor, and EH-IDTBR is a non-fullerene acceptor, as described in Wadsworth et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety (full reference details defined below).

Optionally, the organic photovoltaic material system may include three principle components. In such an example implementation, the at least one OPV layer 112 may include at least one donor which absorbs received light, for example sunlight, and at least two acceptors which extract electrons from an excitonic bound electron-hole pair, resulting in an electron traveling in at least one of the at least two acceptor phases of the OPV layer 112 and a hole traveling in the at least one donor phase. In one embodiment, the at least one donor and at least two acceptors acceptor are arranged in a distributed heterojunction. Such an arrangement may be of advantage because it may increase the flexibility of the OPV layer 112 and therefore the at least one organic photovoltaic device 104.

In one example, the at least one OPV layer 112 comprises at least one polymer donor, and at least two small molecule acceptors. In one example, the at least one OPV layer 112 comprises at least one polymer donor, and at least two small molecule acceptors, wherein at least one acceptor is a fullerene material, and at least one acceptor is a non-fullerene material. One example of such an OPV layer 112 is: PTB7-Th:C0i8DFIC:PC7iBM, where PTB7-Th is a polymer donor, C0i8DFIC is a non-fullerene acceptor and PC71BM is a fullerene acceptor, as described in Li et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In one example, the at least one OPV layer includes two or more OPV layers. In one example, the two or more OPV layers are arranged in a tandem device architecture.

Referring next to FIG. 2, there is provided an illustration of a block diagram of a photovoltaic device 200, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In the photovoltaic device 200 as shown in FIG. 2, the at least one OPV device 104 may further comprise one or more additional layers 202 disposed between the first electrode 110 and the at least one OPV layer 112, and/or between the at least one OPV layer 112 and the second electrode 114. Such further additional layers 202 may optionally comprise charge extraction layers, charge transport layers or other additional layers. Such photovoltaic device 200 may be of advantage in that the additional layers 202 may increase the efficiency and lifetime thereof.

In one embodiment, one of the additional layers 202 may be an at least one charge transport layer. In such case, the charge transport layers 202 are fabricated between the two electrodes (i.e. the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 114) with the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 112 in the middle. For example, as shown, one charge transport layer 202 is disposed between the first electrode 110 and the organic photovoltaic layer 112, and another charge transport layer 202 is disposed between the second electrode 114 and the organic photovoltaic layer 112. The charge transport layers 202 provide an enhanced transport of charge from at least one organic photovoltaic layer 112 to the electrodes (i.e. the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 112), and thereby enhances the efficiency of the photovoltaic device 200.

In one embodiment, at least one of the additional layers 202 may be a hole transport layer (HTL). In one embodiment, the hole transport layer may comprise a material such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) or molybdenum oxide MoO3. In one embodiment, at least one of the additional layers 202 may be an electron transport layer (ETL). In one embodiment, the electron transport layer may comprise a material such as Zinc Oxide (ZnO) or polyethylenimine (PEI).

Referring next to FIG. 3, there is provided an illustration of a block diagram of a photovoltaic device 300, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In the photovoltaic device 300 as shown in FIG. 3, the at least one OPV device 104 may further comprise a first barrier layer 302, a first barrier adhesive layer 304, a second barrier adhesive layer 306, and a second barrier layer 308. Herein, the barrier layers 302, 308 assist to protect and isolate the at least one OPV device 104 from external environmental conditions. Such photovoltaic device 300 may be of advantage in that the first barrier layer 302 and/or the second barrier layer 308 may provide additional protection to the at least one OPV device 104 against oxygen and/or water ingress, UV light exposure, mechanical damage, oxidation, and so forth. Additionally, the barrier layers 302 and 308 also act as protective layers to the photovoltaic device 300 and protects from wear and tear thereof. The first barrier layer 302 and/or the second barrier layer 308 may thereby increase the ruggedness and durability of the photovoltaic device 300, thereby increasing its storage and operational lifetime. Optionally, the photovoltaic device 300 may include only an additional first barrier layer (such as, the first barrier layer 302) and an additional first barrier adhesive layer (such as, the first barrier adhesive layer 304). Optionally, the photovoltaic device 300 may include only an additional second barrier layer (such as, the second barrier layer 308) and an additional second barrier adhesive layer (such as, the second barrier adhesive layer 306).

Devices fabricated in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may optionally comprise a first barrier layer 302 and/or a second barrier layer 308. One purpose of the barrier layers 302 and 308 is to protect device layers from damaging species in the environment, including moisture, vapour and/or gasses. Optionally, barrier layers 302 and 308 may be a bulk material such as a glass, a plastics material or a metal (or metal alloy). Optionally, barrier layers 302 and 308 may be deposited onto a film. Where the barrier layers 302 and 308 are deposited onto a film, preferred film materials comprise glass, plastics materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and metal foils. Barrier layers 302 and 308 may be formed by various known deposition techniques, including sputtering, vacuum thermal evaporation, electron-beam deposition and chemical vapour deposition (CVD) techniques, such as plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD). Any suitable material or combination of materials may be used for the barrier layers 302 and 308. Barrier layers 302 and 308 may incorporate organic or inorganic compounds or both. Preferred inorganic barrier layer materials include aluminium oxides such as A1203, silicon oxides such as Si02, silicon nitrides such as SiNx and bulk materials such as glasses, plastics and metals. Preferred organic barrier layer materials include polymers. Barrier layers 302 and 308 may comprise a single layer or multiple layers.

Devices fabricated in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may optionally comprise a first barrier adhesive layer 304 and/or a second barrier adhesive layer 306. Barrier adhesive layers 304 and 306 may be used to affix barrier layers 302 and 308 in position around the at least one organic photovoltaic device 300. Preferred materials for the first barrier adhesive layer include thermal or UV-curable adhesives, hot-melt adhesives and pressure sensitive adhesives.

Referring next to FIG. 4a, there is provided an illustration of a block diagram of a photovoltaic device 400, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The photovoltaic device 400, as shown in FIG. 4a, may include an additional organic photovoltaic (OPV) adhesive layer 402 disposed between the at least one fibre-reinforced composite layer 102 and the at least one OPV device 104. In one embodiment, the OPV adhesive layer 402 may have the same material composition as the gelcoat layer 106. In one embodiment, the composition of the material used in the OPV adhesive layer 402 is at least 90%, more optionally about 95%, and yet more optionally about 5 98%, same as the material used for fabricating the gelcoat layer 106. Such a photovoltaic device 400 may be of advantage in that the OPV adhesive layer 402 may increase the adhesion of the at least one OPV device 104 to the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102, thereby increasing its storage and operational lifetime, and allowing the device 10 to be deployed in a wider range of applications.

In one embodiment, the OPV adhesive layer 402 may be a transparent layer. By "transparent" is meant, for example, to have an optical transmission of light in the range of wavelengths from 380 nm to 780 nm therethrough that is greater than 80%, optionally greater than 90%. In one embodiment, the OPV adhesive layer 402 may be opaque. In one embodiment, the OPV adhesive layer 402 may be white. In one embodiment, the OPV adhesive layer 402 may be reflective. By "reflective" is meant, for example, to reflect greater than 70%, optionally greater than 80%, of light the range of wavelengths zo from 380 nm to 780 nm therefrom. Such a reflective OPV adhesive layer 402 may be advantageous because light reflected from the OPV adhesive layer 402 may be absorbed by the at least one OPV device 104 and efficiency may increase. In one embodiment, the OPV adhesive layer 402 material is Polynt Armorflex 953 gelcoat.

To demonstrate the aforementioned embodiment, a photovoltaic device was fabricated. A fibreglass panel of thickness 25mm was implemented as the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102. A reflective OPV adhesive layer 402 of Polynt Armorflex 953 Base White gelcoat was coated onto the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102. An OPV device 104, comprising a substrate 108, first electrode 110, OPV layer 112 and second electrode 114 was prepared, and the efficiency of the OPV device 104 was measured and determined to be 4.1%. The OPV device 104 was then placed over the OPV adhesive layer 402. The OPV device 104 was orientated with the second electrode 114 nearest the fibre-reinforced composite later 102. A gelcoat layer 106 of Scuna Sistemas Epoxi Adesivo Impregnante Epoxi 5100 was then coated over the OPV device 104. Finally, a hardcoat layer 404 of Roberlo Premium 250 HS Clear Coat was coated over the gelcoat layer 106. The efficiency of the photovoltaic device was them measured at the end of the process and determined to 4.4%. This is a demonstrated increase in efficiency of 7.3% after integration of the OPV device 104 with a fibre-reinforced composite layer 102 and a gelcoat layer 106.

Referring next to FIG. 4b, there is provided an illustration of a block diagram of a photovoltaic device 410, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The photovoltaic device 410, as shown in FIG. 4b, may include an additional hardcoat layer 404 disposed over the gelcoat layer 106. The hardcoat layer 404 in required to be at least partially transparent. By "transparent" is meant, for example, to have an optical transmission of light in the range of wavelengths from 380 nm to 780 nm therethrough that is greater than 80%, optionally greater than 90%. Such a hardcoat layer 404 may provide additional protection from scratching and impact to the OPV device 104. In one embodiment, the hardcoat layer 404 material is a polyurethane material. In one embodiment, the hardcoat layer 404 material is an acrylic polyurethane material. In one embodiment, the hardcoat layer 404 material is Roberlo Premium 250 HS Clear Coat.

Referring next to FIG. 5, there is provided an illustration of a block diagram of a photovoltaic device 500, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment of FIG. 5, 30 the photovoltaic device 500 comprises multiple organic photovoltaic devices included between the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102 and the gelcoat layer 106. The photovoltaic device 500, as shown in FIG. 5, may include a second OPV device 502 in addition to the first OPV device 104. Such a photovoltaic device 500 may be of advantage in that the flexibility thereof may be increased, a wider range of device layouts may be demonstrated, and a greater proportion of the photovoltaic device 500 area may be covered with OPV devices. Additionally, electrical losses may be reduced, for example minimized, thereby increasing efficiency.

Referring next to FIG. 6, there is provided an illustration of a block diagram of a photovoltaic device 600, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The photovoltaic device 600, as shown in FIG. 6, may comprise one or more via adhesion holes, such as via adhesion holes 610 and/or 612. An exemplary layout of the one or more via adhesion holes 610 and/or 612 is depicted in the photovoltaic device 600 of FIG. 6. The one or more via adhesion holes 610 and/or 612 may connect the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102 with the gelcoat layer 106. Since, the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102 is pinned to the gelcoat layer 106, such arrangement of the one or more via adhesion holes 610 and/or 612 assist to reduce a risk of stress and slipping of the various layers in the photovoltaic device 600. Furthermore, the one or more via adhesion holes 610 and/or 612 may connect the OPV adhesive layer 402 with the gelcoat layer 106. The one or more via adhesion holes 610 and/or 612 may be at least partially filled with the same material as used in the gelcoat layer 106; for example, there is thereby provided a pseudo-continuous connection that can be mechanically extremely robust when in use.

It will be appreciated that the direct connection between the gelcoat layer 106 to the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102 is spatially 30 distributed by the one or more via adhesion holes 610 and/or 612.

This assists to reduce a risk of a slip of layers in the photovoltaic device 600. Furthermore, it may be appreciated that in practice, it is generally difficult to obtain a best photovoltaic efficiency in a photovoltaic device while simultaneously providing high mechanical shear strength. 5 However, the implementation of the one or more via adhesion holes 610 and/or 612 in the photovoltaic device 600 considerably improves robustness and reduces a risk of layer slipping without significantly affecting its photovoltaic efficiency. Moreover, by including the one or more via adhesion holes 610 and/or 612, the photovoltaic device 600 10 is better able to relieve in-place stresses that could otherwise cause cracking thereof, for example due to bending or the like.

Optionally, the one or more via adhesion holes may pass only through the substrate layer 108, such as depicted by the via adhesion holes 610 in FIG. 6. Optionally, the one or more via adhesion holes may pass only through the substrate layer 108, the first electrode layer 110, the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 112 and the second electrode 114, such as depicted by the via adhesion hole 612 in FIG. 6. One or more via adhesion holes 610 and/or 612 may be advantageous in that they may increase the adhesion of the at least one organic photovoltaic device 104 to the fibre-reinforced composite layer 102. This may increase the ruggedness and durability of the photovoltaic device 600, which may increase the shelf and operational lifetime of the photovoltaic device 600. Such a photovoltaic device 600 with the via adhesion holes 610 and/or 612 may be preferred in extreme applications, such as for example if the photovoltaic device needs to be applied to a hull of a boat, mutatis mutandis a sail of a boat, where the photovoltaic device may be subjected to continuous impact forces from passing waves.

Referring next to FIG. 7, there is provided an illustration of a schematic 30 of a photovoltaic cell device 700, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The photovoltaic cell device 700 may comprise multiple photovoltaic cells, such as any one or more of the photovoltaic devices 100, 200, 300, 400 or 500. In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 7, the photovoltaic cell device 700 may comprise multiple photovoltaic devices 100. The multiple photovoltaic devices 100 may be connected in parallel or in series or by a combination of series and parallel connections. For example, in the photovoltaic cell device 700 as shown in FIG. 7, there are six photovoltaic devices 100 connected in series. Optionally, bus bars, such as 702 and 704, as shown in FIG. 7, may be disposed along the edges of the photovoltaic cell device 700, and may be used to collect and transport charge carriers.

Hereinafter, the various embodiments have been described for the photovoltaic device as disclosed herein. In these embodiments, the is photovoltaic device may be any one or more of the photovoltaic devices 100, 200, 300, 400 or 500. For the purposes of these embodiments, the photovoltaic device 100 has been referred, however it may be understood that such reference may correspond to any one or more of the photovoltaic devices 100, 200, 300, 400 or 500 without any zo limitations.

In one embodiment, the photovoltaic device 100 may have an area density (grammage) of less than or equal to 10 kg/m2, optionally less than or equal to 5 Kg/m2 and more optionally less than or equal to 2 Kg/m2. Such a photovoltaic device 100 may be of advantage in that the photovoltaic device 100 may be lightweight. Such lightweight photovoltaic devices may thereby be installed on structures such as rooftops and storage tanks that may not have the structural integrity to support higher area density photovoltaic devices, for example crystalline Silicon solar cell panels. Moreover, such lightweight photovoltaic devices may also be installed on vehicles, such as boats, aircraft, cars, other vehicles, wherein solar panels with a higher area density would reduce performance and efficiency of the vehicles. Furthermore, such lightweight photovoltaic devices may also be installed on stand-up paddle boards or surfboards, wherein solar panels with a higher area density would render the stand-up paddle boards or surfboards heavier and more cumbersome. Furthermore, such lightweight photovoltaic devices may also be installed on propellers, wherein solar panels with higher area density would reduce performance and efficiency of the propeller. Furthermore, such lightweight photovoltaic devices may also be installed on mobile electronic devices and cases for mobile electronic devices, wherein solar panels with higher area density would make using such mobile electronic devices or cases cumbersome; for example, brief cases, shopping bags and rucksacks can incorporate such lightweight photovoltaic devices on their exposed outer surfaces for recharging devices such as smart phones, laptop computers and such like being transported and accommodated therein. Furthermore, such lightweight photovoltaic devices may be transported and installed with greater speed and efficiency and at a lower cost.

In one embodiment, the photovoltaic device 100 may have a thickness in a range of 0.5 mm to 50 mm, optionally in a range of 1.0 mm to 10 mm, and more optionally in a range of 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm. Such a photovoltaic device 100 may be of advantage in that the photovoltaic device 100 may be installed in areas where space may be limited. Such compactness may enable effective utilization of the photovoltaic device 100 in a wide range of practical applications.

In one embodiment, the photovoltaic device 100 is at least partially transparent to incident light in a wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm. In an embodiment, the photovoltaic device 100 transmits more than 5% of the incident light. Optionally, the photovoltaic device 100 transmits more than 10% of the incident light.

In one embodiment, the photovoltaic device 100 is electrically coupled to one or more batteries, for example to a single battery or a plurality s of batteries. The one or more batteries coupled to the rigid photovoltaic device 100 store the electrical energy generated therein.

Optionally, the photovoltaic device 100 may be configured to have various shapes. For example, the photovoltaic device 100 may be configured to have a planer and polygonal, circular or oval shape. In an example, the photovoltaic device 100 may have a peripheral form of a planer circular shape, a planer rectangular shape, a planer elliptical shape, a planer triangular shape and the like.

Referring now to FIGs. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17, there are provided illustrations of some exemplary implementations of the 15 photovoltaic devices, in accordance with few embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 8, the photovoltaic device 100 is implemented on a watercraft 800. It will be appreciated that watercrafts such as boats, kayaks, ferries, yachts, canoes, ships and so forth may be required to travel for extended periods of time on open waters, wherein the watercrafts may not have access to external power sources to replenish their power. Consequently, the watercrafts are required to be provided with an easily replenish-able power source that can maintain operation of the watercraft for such extended periods of time. In such an instance, the photovoltaic device 100 is arranged on the watercraft 800, such as, on a surface of the watercraft 800 that receives a maximum incident sunlight thereon. Furthermore, the photovoltaic device 100 is electrically coupled to a power source of the watercraft 800, wherein the power source comprises a battery arrangement operable to supply driving power to the watercrafts. For example, the watercraft is a kayak and the photovoltaic device 100 is implemented on a hull thereof.

As shown in FIG. 9, the photovoltaic device 100 is implemented on an s aircraft 900. It will be appreciated that similar to watercrafts 800, the aircraft 900, implemented in a manner such as a passenger plane, a drone, a jet, a helicopter, a sports aircraft, and so forth, may be required to fly for extended periods of time, wherein the aircraft 900 may not have access to external power sources to replenish their io power. Consequently, the aircraft 900 is required to be provided with an easily replenishable power source that can maintain operation of the aircraft 900 for such extended periods of time. In such an example, the photovoltaic device 100 is arranged on the aircraft 900, such as, on a surface of the aircraft 900 that receives potentially a maximum is incident sunlight thereon. For example, the photovoltaic device 100 may be integrated into the wings or body of the aircraft 900. Furthermore, the photovoltaic device 100 is electrically coupled to a power source of the aircraft 900, wherein the power source comprises a battery arrangement operable to supply driving power to the aircraft zo 900.

In FIG. 10, there is shown a plan illustration of a car (road vehicle, automobile) 1000 that includes the photovoltaic device 100 disclosed herein. Herein, the photovoltaic device 100 may be placed and secured onto a roof of the car 1000. In FIG. 11, there is shown an illustration of a building, such as a house 1100, that includes the photovoltaic device 100 disclosed herein. Herein, the photovoltaic device 100 may be placed and secured onto a roof of the house 1000. In FIG. 12, there is shown a storage tank, like a water storage tank 1200, that includes the photovoltaic device 100 secured on an outer wall thereof. In FIG. 13, there is shown a pipeline 1300 that includes the photovoltaic device secured on an outer wall thereof; for example, the photovoltaic device 100 is used to power remote surveillance devices (for example remote cameras coupled via wireless to a data centre) that monitor that the pipeline 1300 is not being attacked, tampered with or developed a 5 fault (for example a leak). In FIG. 14, there is provided an illustration of a propeller 1400 that includes the photovoltaic device 100 disposed on one or more of exposed surface of wings thereof. In FIG. 15, there is shown a mobile electronic device 1500 that includes the photovoltaic device 100 disclosed herein. Herein, for example, the mobile electronic 10 device 1500 may be any one of laptops, tablets, cell phones or cases for laptops, tablets and cell phones.

In FIG. 16, there is shown a stand-up paddle board 1600 that includes the photovoltaic device 100 disclosed herein. It will be appreciated that such a paddle-board may be required to travel for periods of time on across waters, and may not have access to external power sources to replenish its power. Consequently, the stand-up paddle board is required to be provided with an easily replenish-able power source that can maintain operation of the stand-up paddle board for a period of time. In such an instance, the photovoltaic device 100 is arranged on the stand-up paddle board 1600, such as, on a surface of the stand-up paddle board 1600 that receives a maximum incident sunlight thereon. Furthermore, the photovoltaic device 100 is electrically coupled to a power source of the stand-up paddle board 1600, wherein the power source comprises a battery arrangement operable to supply driving power to the stand-up paddle board. In FIG. 17, there is shown a surfboard 1700 that includes the photovoltaic device 100 disclosed herein.

Additional implementations or applications are also envisaged. These applications include but are not limited to swimming pools, furniture, 30 such as house furniture, garden furniture, street furniture, urban furniture, plant pots, waste bins, light fixtures, safety helmets, trailers and vehicles including motorcycles, buses, trucks, tractors and drones.

Referring to FIG. 18 illustrated are steps of a method 1800 of (namely, a method for) manufacturing a photovoltaic device, in accordance with s an embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the method 1800 relates to manufacturing of the photovoltaic device 100 of FIG. 1, as elucidated hereinabove. At a step 1802, a fibre-reinforced composite layer is fabricated. At a step 1804, at least one organic photovoltaic device is fabricated onto the fibre-reinforced composite layer. The method 1800 further includes steps of fabricating the at least one organic photovoltaic device to comprise a substrate, a first electrode, at least one organic photovoltaic layer, and a second electrode, wherein the substrate is disposed nearest to the fibre-reinforced composite layer, the first electrode is disposed over the substrate, the at least one organic photovoltaic layer is disposed over the first electrode, the second electrode is disposed over the at least one organic photovoltaic layer, and the gelcoat layer is disposed nearest to the second electrode layer. At a step 1806, a gelcoat layer is fabricated onto the at least one organic photovoltaic device 100.

Optionally, the method 1800 further comprises forming one or more via adhesion holes, wherein the one or more via adhesion holes connect the fibre-reinforced composite layer with the gelcoat layer, and at least partially filling the one or more via adhesion holes with a same material as used in the gelcoat layer. As aforementioned, use of such one or more via adhesion holes is capable of vastly increasing a durability and ruggedness of the at least one organic photovoltaic device 100.

The steps 1802 to 1806 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence 30 without departing from the scope of the claims herein. For example, the method 1800 is not limited to the manufacturing of the photovoltaic device 100 of FIG. 1, rather the method 1800 also encompasses manufacturing of other photovoltaic devices, such as photovoltaic devices 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and so forth.

s The present disclosure provides an improved implementation of photovoltaic technologies with a diverse range of corresponding products by way of employing organic photovoltaic solar cells. Typically, the photovoltaic devices of the present disclosure use at least one organic photovoltaic (OPV) device disposed between a fibre-reinforced composite material and a gelcoat material, so that the ruggedness and durability of the OPV device can be significantly enhanced. It will be appreciated that the disposition of the fibre-reinforced composite material on one side and the gelcoat material on other side impart ruggedness to the photovoltaic devices of the present disclosure. Herein, the gelcoat material resists scratching and surface contact damage, whereas fibre-reinforced composite material resists stretching that would otherwise stress the OPV device.

Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a nonexclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

REFERENCES

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Wadsworth et al., Highly Efficient and Reproducible Nonfullerene Solar Cells from Hydrocarbon Solvents, ACS Energy Letters, Volume 2, Issue 7, Pages 1494-1500 (2017).

Li et al., Thermostable single-junction organic solar cells with a power conversion efficiency of 14.62%, Science Bulletin, Volume 63, Issue 6, 10 Pages 340-342 (2018).