VICOSC 2007-14

The Victorian Organic Solar Cell Consortium (VICOSC)

Where it all started.  VICOSC ran from 2007 until 2014 and developed world-leading printing capability in two key emerging solar technologies: organic solar cells and dye sensitised solar cells.  VICOSC was a collaboration between CSIRO, The University of Melbourne, Monash University and industry partners.  The consortium was recognised as a world leader in the field, with the unique capacity of having a fully integrated team that is capable of developing new materials and device architectures and taking the results through to large scale fully printed modules.

The very best performing organic solar cell reported by the consortium had a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.3%, and was only the second organic solar cell reported worldwide with a reported PCE of over 10%.  The final goal of 12% PCE for a dye sensitised solar cell was also reached.

By the end of the project, the technology had been developed to a maturation level suitable for near term applications, such as providing portable power for short term applications.  The technology and know-how was developed on off-the-shelf printing equipment, significantly de-risking entry by commercial partners.

Partners: