This New Form Of Solar Energy Is A Game Changer

Since the 1970’s, solar power has been one of the most commonly used forms of sustainable energy.  However, while solar energy has been a vast improvement to fossil fuels, there are a multitude of issues that prevent it from being more widely used. Scientists have long sought a way to use energy from the sun in a more efficient and accessible way. 

Organic energy may be the answer they’ve been looking for...

What is organic energy?

Organic energy is a form of energy that works by capturing the sun’s rays through a thin film panel and converting them to power. 

How does it differ from solar energy?

Organic energy is dependent on light, not the sun, which means that any time there is some form of natural light available, energy will be created. Whereas solar power panels require direct sunlight to produce energy, organic energy can use indoor light, low light, and filtered lights.

One other major difference between solar and organic energy is the way that energy is transferred. Solar panels are large and clunky.  Producing them is a complicated process that builds a big carbon footprint. Organic energy filters are much lighter and require a lot less energy to produce. 

GO-OPV is the company that is currently producing the films through a supplier in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The film is made by printing organic ink onto plastic rolls at the facility. The rolls are then sent to the US to be manufactured into the specific application needed for customers. The films themselves are transparent, lightweight, 100% recyclable, and have zero carbon footprint. 

Where is organic energy being used?

The potential for organic energy use is limitless. It can be used to power trucks, phones, and computer chargers. The energy films can also be integrated into glass walls or windows to provide power for buildings, either as a main power source or a battery back-up system.

So far, In Brazil, the company has installed systems on skylights, malls, and building windows. In the U.S., they have installed systems in three buildings: two in New York and one at its office in Delray Beach, Florida.

What is the future of organic energy?

Paul Frischer, President of GO-OPV, is excited about the future of organic energy.

 "Everyone's talking about the EV market, we're going to be able to do the entire top of a truck and create an alternative battery supply for the tractor-trailer market. We're also going to be able to do TRU units [Transport Refrigeration Units] and reefers [refrigeration trucks], where the reefers are dependent upon refrigeration for their computers onboard to be running 24/7 ... We essentially have a system where we're reducing fuel costs, we're increasing the battery life, and creating a battery market, and overall reducing all the CO2 emissions." he said. 

The potential uses of organic energy and the ease of production may prove to be a game-changer in the field of sustainable energy.