As the solar energy industry progresses on its path to becoming elemental to global energy supply, newer generation solar cells must overcome the limitations of silicon solar cells used today. These issues include material wastage during manufacturing, inability to provide flexible cell formats, and limitations to theoretical efficiency at a maximum of about 30%. Second-generation solar cells overcome some of these issues, but they experience problems such as material toxicity and the use of rare-earth elements.

Companies are developing the third generation (3G) of solar cells to provide a truly viable alternative to the first and second generations. These cells are more cost effective, use abundant materials in construction, and have simpler manufacturing processes (typically based on printing techniques). 3G solar cells also offer flexible formats, can work in diffused radiation environments, and have much higher theoretical efficiencies of 40–50% and above. The thin film architecture that allows flexible cell formats will drive the growth of novel applications based on solar power, such as solar fabrics, solar-powered smart wearables, and new generation flexible building-integrated photovoltaics (BiPVs). These factors will make 3G solar cells a formidable competitor or even a market disruptor in the solar energy space in the next few years.

This study describes the major technology trends, growth drivers, and growth restraints in the 3G solar cells space. It offers a detailed technology and growth opportunity analysis and discusses the key stakeholders involved in the development of 3G solar cells. Also included is an analysis of the global patent landscape for 3G solar cells, with highlights of key patent owners/applicants and the major areas of research.