Opvius and S+L Selbstklebeprodukte have announced they will co-operate to develop self-adhesive organic photovoltaic (OPV) films. This is expected to broadening the market for OPV products and OPV integration.
According to Opvius embedding OPV modules in transparent carrier materials, for example glass or foil membranes, has been possible for some time. Recently, Opvius demosntrated their integration into laminated polycarbonate sheets as part of an installation at the Climate-Pavilion at the State Horticultural Show in Thüringen.
The integration techniques developed up until now are mainly aimed at integration, that is to say embedding the module in the carrier material by way of a lamination procedure. This is generally limited to transparent materials and predominantly serves the market for original equipment manufacturers.
OPVs can be integrated directly into construction materials whilst they are manufactured, and are therefore installed together with these materials.
By developing self-adhesive Opvius products, an additional solution can now be provided that will be of interest when retrofitting existing surfaces, as well as for use on non-transparent carrier materials.
The compelling reason for partnering with S+L Selbstklebeprodukte is they have many years of experience working with stickers/decals for public transport. This expertise across multiple applications, processing procedures, and working with new technologies in the field of foils, provides a good basis for the current joint collaboration between the companies.
This will significantly expand the range of applications of printed organic photovoltaics.
"By developing self-adhesive OPV foils, we can bring our products further into the market, and make them available to an additional user-group. OPVIUS stickers provide many new solutions, particularly for already existing surfaces"
"The need for high quality in order to ensure a good and lasting adhesive bond is frequently underestimated. In this regard, in terms of cooperation, S+L Selbstklebeprodukte GmbH was our first choice for implementation. It has paid off."Hermann Issa, Senior Director, Business Development and Sales, OPVIUS
"A good adhesion needs to work both visually and flawlessly in terms of function, and needs to last in both indoor and outdoor settings. In addition, we had to look at the properties of the OPVs, and adjust our stickers to the OPVIUS products. Here, our great wealth of experience of adhesion to a large range of substrates, for example trains and buses, paid off, as they also need to be long-lasting and visually perfect under conditions of constant exposure."
Christian Lins, Business Director, S+L Selbstklebeprodukte GmbH