Commercialization of Organic Photovoltaics and Its Product Integration: A Perspective Focusing on Durability

Energy is a vital commodity for modern society, and it is clear that the growing demand must be satisfied using renewable sources. Traditional photovoltaics, relying exclusively on feed‐in tariffs, are inadequate as cost and logistics involved in transporting electricity from solar farms to locations where it is finally needed are undervalued. A more synergistic approach is required where alternative technologies start conforming to already existing objects or structures to generate power directly at the point of use. Organic photovoltaics's (OPV) unique characteristics make it a vital component in every product that demands energy. With that said, it is not of relevance to generate maximum energy, it is rather important to provide an adequate amount to power a desired application. However, it is finally important that functionality can be warranted over the lifetime of the product. This article provides a perspective on the durability of OPV from a product and integration standpoint with key insights into the driving factors for the commercialization of OPV. It is highlighted that stability is a complex topic involving many different aspects and that it cannot be broken down to just a simple efficiency decrease over time in consequence of device exposure to defined stress conditions. Because of the unlimited design flexibility and integration possibilities of organic photovoltaics (OPV) there is no standardized product. Hence, also the lifetime assessment of OPV cannot be broken down into standardized testing procedures usually known from traditional photovoltaics. The distinctive specifications and requirements of the final product are important and define an appropriate set of stability tests and failure criteria.