Scalability of multi-junction organic solar cells for large area organic solar modules

We investigate the scalability of multi-junction organic photovoltaic cells (OPV) with device areas ranging from 1 mm(2) to 1 cm(2), as well as 25 cm(2) active area solar modules. We find that the series resistance losses in 1 cm(2) vs. 1 mm(2) OPV cell efficiencies are significantly higher in single junction cells than tandem, triple, and four junction cells due to the lower operating voltage and higher current of the former. Using sub-electrodes to reduce series resistance, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of multi-junction cells is almost independent of area from 1 mm(2) to 1 cm(2). Twenty-five, 1 cm(2) multi-junction cell arrays are integrated in a module and connected in a series-parallel circuit configuration. A yield of 100% with a deviation of PCE from cell to cell of < 10% is achieved. The module generates an output power of 16 +/- 69 mW under simulated AM1.5G illumination at one sun intensity, corresponding to PCE = 6.5 +/- 0.1%, slightly lower than PCE of discrete cells ranging from 6.7% to 7.2%. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.