Solarmer Energy, Inc.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Solar energy, Organic photovoltaics |
| Founded | March 2006 |
| Headquarters | El Monte, California , United States |
| Products | Polymer solar cells, Organic photovoltaic modules |
Solarmer Energy, Inc. specialized in the development of polymer solar cells, a category within organic photovoltaic (OPV) technology. Their solar modules were engineered to offer flexibility, transparency, and reduced manufacturing expenses compared to conventional solar cells.
Established in March 2006, Solarmer brought to market innovations originated by Prof. Yang Yang at the University of California, Los Angeles, operating a production site located in El Monte, California. Additionally, the company secured licensing agreements for novel semiconducting materials patented by the University of Chicago.
Technology
The core of Solarmer’s innovation lies in using semiconducting polymers as the active layer that converts incident light into electrical energy. Unlike traditional photovoltaics, these cells can harvest power from various light sources; however, performance diminishes as illumination decreases. Despite advancements, challenges persist due to their comparatively modest efficiency and limited durability. By July 2010, Solarmer reported achieving an OPV efficiency of 8.13%, ranking among the highest in the sector yet still trailing behind established solar technologies.
The polymer layer responsible for activity is exceptionally thin—measuring only a fraction of a micrometer—contributing to both flexibility and partial transparency. This minimal thickness lowers material consumption, while the capability to produce these polymers via printing techniques akin to ink application reduces capital expenditures relative to silicon-based manufacturing. A range of polymers available in diverse colors allowed Solarmer to explore producing solar cells with customizable color options.
Applications
Organic photovoltaic cells generally offer cost advantages over traditional solar cells. Solarmer focused on markets including portable electronics, wearable smart textiles, and architectural materials, capitalizing on their OPV technology’s adaptability and economic benefits.
Production
Solarmer was in the process of establishing a pilot production line for OPV prototypes with plans to initiate component assembly by 2009. The pilot facility was anticipated to be operational by the second quarter of 2010, with sample distribution scheduled for later that year and a commercial product rollout targeted for early 2011.
See also
References
- Notes
- Solarmer Energy, Inc. Breaks Psychological Barrier with 8.13% OPV Efficiency
- Solarmer Breaks World Records for Plastic Solar Technology
- Organic photovoltaics promise more
- Solarmer Energy, Inc. Picks Up Speed in Flexible Solar Panel Development
- Plastic solar cells for portable electronic devices
- Solarmer Energy Sees Excellent Potential for Plastic Solar Cells
- Plastic Solar Cells For Portable Electronic Devices Coming Soon