Article section
The Role of Organic Solar Cells in U.S. Energy Transition: Technical Advances, Deployment Challenges, and Policy Pathways
Abstract
Organic solar cells (OSCs) have shed their “lab curiosity” label as efficiencies near 19% and module lifetimes approach a decade. This hybrid scoping–narrative review examines OSCs’ role in achieving U.S. goals of a carbon-free grid by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050. We analyzed 80 peer-reviewed studies, government reports, and field trials (2015–2025), grouping insights into technical advances, deployment experience, policy frameworks, and equity considerations. Three themes emerge: Materials & Performance, where non-fullerene acceptors and tandem designs halve the gap with silicon and boost stability; Deployment Realities, demonstrated by façade films in Germany, transparent solar windows in California, and pilot roll-to-roll lines, alongside scale-up, certification, and bankability hurdles; and Policy & Equity Gaps, revealing incentives skewed toward silicon yet highlighting OSCs’ low-toxicity materials and architectural flexibility for energy justice. We recommend federal support for pilot manufacturing, accelerated standards, and equity-focused demonstrations in schools, affordable housing, and community centers. With coordinated R&D, policy, and community engagement, OSCs can evolve from niche novelty to a complementary layer of America’s solar portfolio.
Keywords:
Non-Fullerene Acceptors OPV Stability Organic Solar Cells Photovoltaics Tandem Architectures U.S. Clean-Energy Policy
Article information
Journal
Journal of Environment, Climate, and Ecology
Volume (Issue)
2(1), (2025)
Pages
49-60
Published
Copyright
Copyright (c) 2025 Ololade Funke Olaitan, Ikechukwu Okoh, Philip Ugbede Ojo Onuche, Jamiu Olayinka Alabi, Precious Esong Sone, Kiran K. Kalyanaraman, John Ukanu, Clinton Arthur (Author)
Open access

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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