High-efficiency and flexible organic solar modules with promising applications in solar-extended unmanned aerial vehicles

ABSTRACT Organic solar cells (OSCs) offer unique advantages like flexibility and lightweight design, making them suitable for solar-extended unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAVs). However, conventional transparent electrodes limit their performance due to high sheet resistance. To address this, a flexible, transparent electrode with ultra-low sheet resistance (<1 Ω/□) and 90% transmission was developed. Utilizing non-halogenated solvent processing and slot-die coating, a 1 cm2 single cell achieved 17.12% (certified 16.88%) power conversion efficiency (PCE), while a 42 cm2 module achieved 15.60%. Stability tests showed unencapsulated devices retained 90% efficiency after 1080 h (ISOS-D-1) and 97% after 1000 bending cycles. SUAVs equipped with the flexible OSC modules, combined with a lithium battery and power management system, demonstrated a flight time extension of 24.2%. Outdoor testing confirmed reliable sensor performance and data transmission. This study validates flexible OSCs for SUAV applications, advancing renewable energy solutions in lightweight mobile systems.