A critical review on semitransparent organic solar cells

Semitransparent solar cells not only can generate electricity but also exhibit promising application in facades and roofs of building, as well as the coatings of vehicle. Ideal semitransparent solar cells should have a high utilization efficiency of ultraviolet and near infrared photons, and maintain an appropriate balance between absorption and transparency in visible light range. Organic semiconducting materials with adjustable optical band gap own great potential in preparing highly efficient semitransparent organic solar cells (OSCs). There are great challenges in achieving semitransparent electrodes with good conductivity and high transmittance in visible light range, as well as high reflectance in ultraviolet and near infrared range. In this critical review, we summarize the recent progress of semitransparent OSCs, concentrating on organic semiconducting materials, semitransparent top electrode and device engineering. Semitransparent OSCs have attracted more and more attention due to its great potential in energy source in door, electricity-generating windows, building-integrated photovoltaics and agricultural greenhouse.