Organic and Printed Electronics: The Flexible Future of Photovoltaics (Category: PV)

This blog marks the second installment of my ongoing exploration into photovoltaic technologies. Here, I dive into the dynamic and fast-evolving world of printed and flexible organic photovoltaics (OPVs)—a segment that’s not only technically exciting but also commercially transformative.

Over the past decade, both photovoltaics and electronics have undergone remarkable evolution, driven by breakthroughs in organic, carbon-based conductive materials and inks. These innovations have enabled flexible substrates compatible with roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing—unlocking scalable, cost-effective production for a wide range of electronic devices.

Organic inks, formulated with solvents and stabilizers, are now compatible with gravure, screen, and inkjet printing processes. This has paved the way for mass production of flexible electronics such as sensors, transistors, and smart labels.

A Global Market Emerges

According to the OE-A Roadmap for Organic and Printed Electronics, this technology has matured into a global market, creating value across diverse sectors:

• Building-Integrated PV (BIPV): Energy harvesting, OLED lighting

• IoT: Smart labels for logistics and consumer protection

• Healthcare: Smart wound treatment, light therapy sensors

• Consumer Electronics: Wearables, foldable OLED displays

• Automotive: Human-centric lighting, seat occupancy sensors, HMI touch interfaces

The flexible printed electronics market is projected to reach ~$60 billion USD by 2025, with ~$20 billion attributed to organic photoactive materials used in photovoltaics, sensors, and semiconductors.

Market Value Breakdown (2025 Estimates)

Segment	Estimated Value	Notes
Building-Integrated PV (BIPV)	~$6 billion	Lightweight energy harvesting
Integrated Smart Systems	~$7 billion	Smart labels, e-textiles, embedded intelligence, IoT modules
Automotive	~$1-2 billion	Rooftop solar, sensors, lighting – Prototyping stage
Flexible OLED Displays + Lighting	~$22.5 billion	OLED displays dominate; white OLED lighting growing in auto/architecture
Electronics & Components	~$22.5 billion	Printed sensors, circuits, antennas and hybrid electronics

*Estimates compiled from multiple sources

OPVs offer compelling advantages over traditional inorganic solar technologies:

• Non-toxic materials

• Eco-friendly roll-to-roll manufacturing

• Significantly lower energy consumption

• Faster payback times

These benefits position OPVs as a sustainable and versatile solution for next-generation energy systems.

Application Highlights

1. Building-Integrated PV (BIPV)

OPV modules are thin, flexible laminates that integrate seamlessly with architectural materials—including glass. Unlike conventional solar panels, OPVs maintain performance under diffuse light and high temperatures. Their tunable properties allow for modular designs in various colors, shapes, and transparencies—meeting both functional and aesthetic demands.

A)		C)
NEXT Energy Technologies (USA): Transparent OPV skylights for passive shading and HVAC energy savings	OPVIUS GmbH: Gray-colored OPV modules with efficiencies of 50 W/m²	Heliatek GmbH – HeliaSol Kit: Plug-and-play BIPV modules with pre-assembled cable harnesses—no electrician required

Recent reports highlight a >250 m² flexible OPV system achieving ~5% PCE in semi-transparent form, with opaque membranes reaching ~10% PCE.

2. Integrated Smart Systems & IoT

Organic printed PV modules are ideal for low-power indoor electronics—powering smart labels, wearables, and battery-free wireless devices.

A)	B)	C)
Dracula Technologies (France)	Epishine (Sweden)	ISORG (France)
Ambient-light-powered OPV trackers & indoor, battery-free sensors.	Ultra-thin solar cells for sensors and electronics & IoT ambient light-powered shelf labels.	Organic photodetectors for fingerprint and biomedical imaging.

3. Automotive

Mercedes-Benz has introduced a prototype featuring solar paint—an innovative PV coating just 5 microns thick. With 20% efficiency over an 11 m² surface, this nanoparticle-based layer transmits 94% of solar energy and integrates seamlessly into the vehicle body. Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic.

4. OLED Displays and Lighting

OLEDs, while not photovoltaic, share foundational organic semiconductor principles. These electroluminescent devices emit light when electrons and holes recombine under electrical excitation. LG Stretchable Display: Silicone-based substrate with micro-LEDs, full RGB spectrum, and durability over 10,000 stretches

OLEDs can be printed or evaporated (via Vacuum Thermal Evaporation), and R&D in this space is accelerating rapidly.

5. Electronics & Components

This broad category includes printed sensors, circuits, antennas, and hybrid electronics. Some use photoactive materials for energy generation or light detection; others simply conduct signals.

Technic (USA): 3D-printed flexible PCBs	RipeSense (South Africa): Freshness indicators for fruit packaging using Optical Thin Film Transceivers (OTFTs)

Final Thoughts

I’ve only begun to scratch the surface of this fascinating field. The convergence of organic materials, flexible substrates, and scalable manufacturing is reshaping how we think about energy, electronics, and design.

More insights to come as I continue this journey.

Have feedback or ideas? Drop me a line at nicholas@aheadcurve.co