WO2019239390A1

WO2019239390A1 - Photovoltaic devices and methods of manufacturing photovoltaic devices

Info

Publication number: WO2019239390A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/055025
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amaury FERREIRA; Peter Levermore; Fernando Mendes; Felipe TRAVESSO; David TRAVESSO; Rodrigo VILACA
Original assignee: Sunew Filmes Fotovoltaicos Impressos SA
Current assignee: Sunew Filmes Fotovoltaicos Impressos SA
Priority date: 2018-06-15
Filing date: 2019-06-17
Publication date: 2019-12-19
Anticipated expiration: 2020-12-15

Abstract

Disclosed is a non-rigid photovoltaic device (100) that can be used in an unfolded, flexed, curved, rolled or folded state. The non-rigid photovoltaic device (100) comprises a fabric layer (102), a fabric adhesive layer (104) and at least one organic photovoltaic device (106). The fabric adhesive layer (104) is disposed over the fabric layer (102), and the at least one organic photovoltaic device (106) is disposed over the fabric adhesive layer (104). The at least one organic photovoltaic device (106) comprises a substrate (112), a first electrode (114), at least one organic photovoltaic layer (116) and a second electrode (118), wherein the at least one organic photovoltaic layer (116) is disposed between the first electrode (114) and the second electrode (116).

Description

PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES AN D METHODS OF MANUFACTURING

PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to photovoltaic devices; and more specifically, to non-rigid photovoltaic devices that can be used in an unfolded, a flexed, a curved, a rolled or a folded state. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to methods of (for) manufacturing such non- rigid photovoltaic devices.

BACKGROUN D

Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, non-renewable and non- sustainable energy sources, such as fossil fuels, have been a primary energy source to address energy requirements of humans. However, in contemporary times, such non-renewable and non-sustainable energy sources are unable to meet an ever-increasing demand of energy and are becoming exhausted at an unprecedented rate. Moreover, the contribution of non-renewable and non-sustainable energy sources towards anthropogenic climate change has been widely studied and scientifically verified. Furthermore, with advancements in energy technologies, renewable and sustainable energy sources have emerged as a promising, reliable, and long-lasting alternative energy source. For example, with developments in photovoltaic technologies, solar energy has evolved as a potent renewable and sustainable energy source, and is already contemporarily widely used. Additionally, such solar cells may be integrated with (or used in conjunction with) various products in order to harvest electrical energy therefrom. However, integration of solar cells with products generally suffers from numerous technical challenges, for example in respect of the use of the products and maintaining the efficiency of the solar cells. Primarily, a required optimum balance between robustness and flexibility for the solar cells and the products into which they are integrated, typically results in reduced efficiency and operational lifetime. For example, conventional solar cell products cannot be flexed, crumpled, folded and/or rolled. Typically, existing integration of photovoltaic devices into products is achieved using amorphous silicon solar cells, monocrystalline solar cells or polycrystalline solar cells, with the use of amorphous silicon solar cells, monocrystalline solar cells or polycrystalline solar cells making the products more rigid, heavier, thicker and more expensive. Additionally, conventional solar cells used for integration with products, optionally include a prismatic layer to direct solar light onto the solar cells, which makes the design of the product complicated as well as makes the products yet more rigid.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with integration of photovoltaic technologies with products.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to provide a non-rigid photovoltaic device that can be used in an unfolded, flexed, curved, rolled or folded state. The present disclosure also seeks to provide a method of (for) manufacturing the non-rigid photovoltaic device that can be used in an unfolded, flexed, curved, rolled or folded state.

The present disclosure is capable of providing an improved integration of photovoltaic technologies with products by employing organic photovoltaic solar cells, which provide a required optimum balance between robustness and flexibility for such integration.

In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a non- rigid photovoltaic device that can be used in an unfolded, flexed, curved, rolled or folded state, characterised in that the non-rigid photovoltaic device comprises:

a fabric layer;

a fabric adhesive layer;

at least one organic photovoltaic device;

wherein the fabric adhesive layer is disposed over the fabric layer and the at least one organic photovoltaic device is disposed over the fabric adhesive layer;

wherein the at least one organic photovoltaic device comprises:

a substrate;

a first electrode;

at least one organic photovoltaic layer; and

a second electrode;

wherein the at least one organic photovoltaic layer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of (for) manufacturing the non-rigid photovoltaic device that can be used in an unfolded, flexed, curved, rolled or folded state, characterised in that the method comprises:

(a) providing at least one organic photovoltaic device;

(b) applying a fabric adhesive layer to a first side of the at least one organic photovoltaic device;

(c) providing a fabric layer; and

(d) applying the fabric layer to the at least one organic photovoltaic device using the fabric adhesive layer, such that the fabric adhesive layer is disposed between the fabric layer and the at least one organic photovoltaic device;

wherein the at least one organic photovoltaic device comprises:

a substrate;

a first electrode;

at least one organic photovoltaic layer; a second electrode;

It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein :

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a non-rigid photovoltaic device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a cylinder formed using non-rigid photovoltaic devices of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGs. 3 to 6 are block diagrams of exemplary non-rigid photovoltaic devices, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGs. 7 to 23 are schematic illustrations depicting various implementations of non-rigid photovoltaic devices, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIGs. 24 to 25 illustrate steps of methods for manufacturing a non-rigid photovoltaic device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In overview, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned with an improved implementation of photovoltaic devices.

As used herein, "top" means furthest away from the fabric layer, while "bottom” means closest to the fabric layer. Where a first layer is described as being "disposed over” a second layer, the first layer is disposed further away from the fabric layer than the second layer. Optionally, there may be other layers between the first and second layer, unless it is specified that the first layer is "in contact with” the second layer.

As used herein, the term "small molecule" refers to any organic material that is not a polymer, and small molecules may actually be quite large. Small molecules may include repeat units in some circumstances. For example, using a long chain alkyl group as a substituent does not remove a molecule from a small molecule class. Small molecules may also be incorporated into polymers, for example as a pendant group on a polymer backbone or as part of the backbone. Small molecules may also serve as a core moiety of a dendrimer, which consists of a series of chemical shells built on the core moiety. The core moiety of a dendrimer may be a small molecule. A dendrimer may be a small molecule and it is believed that all dendrimers currently used in the field of organic photovoltaics are small molecules.

Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a block diagram of a non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can be used in an unfolded, a flexed, a curved, a rolled or a folded state. As shown, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 comprises (in sequence) a fabric layer 1 02 , a fabric adhesive layer 1 04, at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 , an optional first barrier adhesive layer 1 08, and an optional first barrier layer 1 1 0. The at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 comprises a substrate 1 1 2 , a first electrode 1 1 4, an at least one organic photovoltaic layer 1 1 6 and a second electrode 1 1 8 (explained in detail with respect to FIG. 3 hereinafter). Furthermore, as shown, the fabric adhesive layer 1 04 is disposed over the fabric layer 1 02 , the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 is disposed over the fabric adhesive layer 1 04 , the optional first barrier adhesive layer 1 08 is disposed over the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 , and the optional first barrier layer 1 1 0 is disposed over the optional first barrier adhesive layer 1 08.

Optionally, more than one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 may be disposed on the fabric layer. Optionally, multiple organic photovoltaic devices may be disposed on the fabric layer. Optionally, the first barrier layer 1 1 0 and the first barrier adhesive layer 1 08 may be omitted (excluded) from the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00.

Throughout the present disclosure the term "non-rigid photovoltaic device" relates to an arrangement of both electronic and non-electronic elements that are positioned and/or disposed over a fabric material in a specific manner for harnessing solar energy. Furthermore, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 includes multiple layers. Additionally, the multiple layer construction of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may include various coatings, such as, adhesive layers, protective coatings, and so forth. The protective coatings may be operable to resist the ingress of water and oxygen, thereby preventing the degradation of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 . Optionally, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is a laminated solar architecture including one or more semi- transparent solar modules enclosed therein. Furthermore, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 functions (namely, is operable) to harness energy from both sunlight and artificial light, such as incandescent and fluorescent light. Additionally, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 of the present disclosure includes a fabric layer and/or a polymer layer for providing a flexible nature to the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 . The flexibility may provide resilience to the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 in various circumstances and conditions for the implementation thereof. In an example embodiment, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be folded, rolled, and so forth, without any distortion or deformation of any part or portion thereof. Moreover, the flexible nature of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 provides enhanced ruggedness and durability thereto and resists the malfunctioning thereof.

By "non-rigid" is meant that the photovoltaic device 1 00 may remain operable while in an unfolded, a flexed, a curved, a rolled or a folded state. In one embodiment, the photovoltaic device may be flexible, namely "non-rigid". One useful measure of a balance between flexibility and rigidity is flexural rigidity, wherein flexural rigidity is defined as a force couple required to bend a rigid structure to a unit curvature. For a uniform substrate, flexural rigidity can be described mathematically as:

D = Et³ / (12(1— m²)) wherein D is the flexural rigidity (in Nm), E is Young's modulus (in Nrrr²), m is Poisson's ratio (dimensionless) and t is the thickness of the structure (in m). This equation is described in Rogers & Bogart, J. Mater. Res., Vol. 16, No. 1, January 2001. The more flexible the structure, the lower the flexural rigidity. The flexural rigidity of any structure can be theoretically calculated if Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio and the thickness of the structure are known. However, in practice, especially when dealing with thin films, flexural rigidity may be affected by processing parameters, lamination arrangements of additional layers, non-uniformity across the film and the like.

A preferred approach is to measure the flexural rigidity of the structure. This can be done using the principle of the heavy elastica, as described in W. G. Bickley: The Heavy Elastica, Phil. Mag. Vol. 17 Mar. 1934 p. 603- 622. A couple of specific measurement techniques are described in NASA Technical Note D-3270: Techniques for the Measurement of the Flexural Rigidity of Thin Films and Laminates, H. L. Price, April 1966. These are (1) the heart loop method and (2) the cantilever method. The heart loop method is only suitable for very thin films (typically having the thickness of less than 20 microns (mGh)) with very low flexural rigidity. The cantilever method is preferred and is described in detail in BS 3356 : 1990, British Standard Method for Determination of Bending Length and Flexural Rigidity of Fabrics, British Standards Institution© 1999. Further details of flexural rigidity measurement techniques are disclosed in United States Patent US8773013B2 - Three Dimensional OLED Lamps.

In one embodiment, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 has a flexural rigidity in a range of 0.0001 Nm to 1 Nm, optionally, in a range of 0.001 Nm to 0.1 Nm. Furthermore, such flexural rigidity in a range of 0.0001 Nm to 1 Nm provides an adequate amount of resistance while bending of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 to form a curvature. Moreover, the flexural rigidity of such nature resists the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 from breakage and/or fatigue while rolling or bending thereof. In one embodiment, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is capable of being folded and unfolded at least 10000 times, while experiencing a loss of less than or equal to 20%, optionally less than or equal to 10%, and more optionally less than or equal to 5% of its power conversion efficiency when converting incident solar radiation to corresponding electrical output power. In other words, the reuse efficiency of the non- rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is very high and it experiences very low loss of its power conversion efficiency due to high resilience.

In another embodiment, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is capable of being rolled up and unrolled at least 10000 times, while experiencing a loss of less than or equal to 20%, optionally less than or equal to 10% and more optionally less than or equal to 5% of its power conversion efficiency when converting incident solar radiation to corresponding electrical output power. In an example embodiment, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be rolled up and unrolled at least 10000 times to store or encapsulate in a cover, a packet and so forth, with a low loss of power conversion efficiency. Additionally, the rolling or folding may ease the portability and conveyance of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 . In one embodiment, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is electrically coupled to one or more batteries, for example to a single battery or a plurality of batteries. The one or more batteries coupled to the rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may store the electrical energy generated therein. Optionally, the one or more batteries used herein may be coupled to one or more amorphous silicon solar cells (a-Si), biohybrid solar cells, Cadmium Telluride solar cells (CdTe), concentrated PV cells (CVP and HCVP), Copper Indium Gallium Selenide solar cells (CI(G)S), and crystalline Silicon solar cells (c-Si).

As aforementioned, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may optionally include the first barrier layer 1 1 0 disposed over the first barrier adhesive layer 1 08 . Optionally, the first barrier adhesive layer 1 08 may be used to affix the first barrier layer 1 1 0 to prevent ingress of water from an external environment towards the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 . Optionally, the first barrier layer 1 1 0 may also assist in absorption of the sunlight within the layers of the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06. Optionally, the first barrier layer 1 1 0 may also act as a protective layer to the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 and protects from wear and tear thereof.

Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is a schematic illustration of a cylinder 200 formed using non-rigid photovoltaic devices, such as the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can be rolled into a cylindrical structure having a radius of curvature of less than or equal to 100 mm, optionally less than or equal to 50 mm, and more optionally less than or equal to 25 mm. For example, a series of the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 can be rolled as a cylinder 200 having a substantially lower radius of curvature depending upon the stiffness of the material used therein. Beneficially, and as demonstrated by the experimental data shown in Table 1, the series of the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 can be rolled 10000 times as a cylinder 200 with radius of curvature of 25 mm, with a maximum efficiency loss of 17.1%, a minimum efficiency loss of 0.0%, and an average efficiency loss of 7.8%. In other words, the series of the non- rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 in a planer state without being rolled may yield 100% efficiency compared to 92.2% efficiency for the series of non- rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 in a planer state after being rolled 10000 times. Additionally, the cylindrical structure may assist in implementation of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 in different forms and structures. Moreover, the cylindrical structure may ease the portability and conveyance of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 in such form. Table 1 : Efficiency (%) of a series of the non-rigid photovoltaic devices before and after 10000 roll cycles to a radius of curvature of 25 mm.

The series of the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 in Table 1 are susceptible to being fabricated by applying three organic photovoltaic devices 1 06 to a fabric layer 1 02 using a fabric adhesive layer 1 04. The organic photovoltaic devices 1 00 have a total thickness of 0.40 mm and a grammage of 450 g/m². The fabric layer 1 02 comprises a layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) reinforced with an additional layer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with a reflectance of 85%. The fabric layer 1 02 may be white (or substantially white, such as cream colour, light yellow, or similar) in colour. The fabric layer 1 02 has a total thickness in the range of 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm and a grammage in the range of 450 g/m² to 700 g/m², but preferably with a total thickness of 0.5 mm and a grammage of 550 g/m². The fabric adhesive layer 1 04 comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) 3M™ 468 of thickness 0.35 mm and a grammage of 330 g/m². The total thickness of the non-rigid photovoltaic device is 1.25 mm with a grammage of 1280 g/m². Other fabric layers 1 02 and fabric adhesive layers 1 04 could also be used. Using the cantilever method described in detail in BS 3356: 1990, British Standard Method for Determination of Bending Length and Flexural Rigidity of Fabrics, British Standards Institute © 1999, and in United States Patent US8773013B2 - Three Dimensional OLED Lamps, the flexural rigidity of the non-rigid photovoltaic devices in Table 1 were determined. The measurement was made by cutting the non-rigid photovoltaic devices into strips 125 mm in length and 47 mm in width, each with weight of 7.50 g. The overhang length L was fixed at 110 mm, and the bending length C was determined by measurement of the deflection angle (10.2 degrees was measured) and using a look-up table provided in NASA Technical Note D-3270: Techniques for the Measurement of the Flexural Rigidity of Thin Films and Laminates, H. L. Price, April, 1966. The bending length C was determined to be 9.69 mm. Substituting C into the Flexural Rigiidity equation D = ptgC³, where D is the Flexural Rigidity, p is the denisty, t is the total thickness, g is the gravitational acceleration and C is the Bending Length, the Flexural Rigidity was determined to be 1.1 x 10 ² Nm.

In one embodiment, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 has an area density (referred to as " grammage ") of less than or equal to 2000 g/m², optionally, less than or equal to 1000 g/m², and more optionally, less than or equal to 500 g/m². Furthermore, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 has a very compact structure having a far lower density (in comparison to conventional rigid photovoltaic devices, for example manufactured from Silicon wafers) and can be accommodated and/or implemented in very small and compact spaces. Moreover, such a far lower density makes the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 a light-weight device. Beneficially, due to its compact structure and light-weight, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be used in conjunction with complex structures, such as, flexible surfaces, elevated surfaces, and so forth. In an example embodiment, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 has a thickness in a range of 0.01 mm to 50 mm, and optionally in a range of 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm, and more optionally in a range of 0.3 mm to 3.0 mm. Furthermore, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 comprises an organic photovoltaic device 1 06 comprising a substrate 1 1 2 and very thin transparent, semi-transparent and optionally opaque, layers disposed one over another, respectively. By 'Very thin" is meant having a thickness of less than 500 nm, more optionally less than 50 nm, at yet more optionally less than 5 nm. Moreover, a thickness of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 varies between 0.1 mm to 50 mm depending upon a field of use and implementation.

The aforementioned embodiments disclose how the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be thin and may be rolled to a low radius of curvature. These properties enable a larger area of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 to be rolled into the same volume than would be possible for alternative photovoltaic devices. This means that a roll of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 herein disclosed may generate relatively more energy than a roll of an alternative photovoltaic device of the same volume. Additionally, the aforementioned embodiments disclose how the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be lightweight. This property enables the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 to generate more energy than from a roll of an alternative photovoltaic device of the same volume, without any increase in weight. These properties enable the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 to be used advantageously as compared to other photovoltaic devices in multiple applications where space and/or weight are of concern.

Optionally, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be configured to have various shapes. For example, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be configured to have a planer and polygonal, circular or oval shape. In an example, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may have a peripheral form of a planer circular shape, a planer rectangular shape, a planer elliptical shape, a planer triangular shape and the like.

In one embodiment, the fabric layer 1 02 is fabricated using at least one type of synthetic fibre, natural fibre, inorganic fibre or nanofiber. In one embodiment, the fabric layer 1 02 is fabricated using a synthetic fibre, including but not limited to acrylic fibre, acetate, aramid, artificial silk, AuTx®, azlon, Ban-Lon®, basalt fibre, carbon fibres, carbon fibre reinforced polymer, CarbonCast®, Celliant®, cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, Cordura®, Crimplene®, Cuben Fiber®, cuprammonium rayon, Darlexx®, Dyneema® pre-stretched fibre, Dynel®, Elasterell®, Elastolefin®, ethylene vinyl acetate, Fibrolane®, Gold Flex®, Ingeo®, Innegra S®, Kevlar KM2®, Lastol®, Lurex®, Lyocell®, M5 fibre, microfiber, modacrylic fibre, Nomex®, Nylon, Nylon 4, Nylon 6, Nylon 66, olefin fibre pitch-based carbon fiber, polyphenylene sulphide fibre, polyacrylonitrile fibre, polybenzimidazole fibre, polydioxanone fibre, polyester fiberfill, polylactic acid, Qiana®, saran fibre, Sorona®, Spandex®, taklon, Technora®, Thinsulate®, Twaron®, ultra-high- molecular-weight polyethylene fibre, Tencel®, Vectran®, vinylon, Vinyon, Viscose® (derived from wood materials), Zylon®, polyethylene fibre, polypropylene fibre, polyvinyl chloride fibre, poly(lactic acid) fibre, polycaprolactone fibre, polyurethane fibre, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) fibre, poly(L-lactide) fibre, poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate) fibre, poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibre, poly(ethylene naphthalate) fibre, Kevlar^® fibre, polyester fibre and polyamide fibre.

In one embodiment, the fabric layer 1 02 is fabricated using a natural plant fibre, including but not limited to abaca fibre, asbestos fiber, bagasse fibre, bamboo fibre, coir fibre, cotton, fique fibre, flax fibre, linen, hemp, ingeo fibre, jute fibre, kapok fibre, kenaf fibre, modal fibre, nettle fibre, paper, piha fibre, pine fibre, raffia fibre, ramie fibre, rayon®, sisal fibre and wood fibre. In one embodiment, the fabric layer 1 02 is fabricated using a natural animal fibre, including but not limited to alpaca fibre, angora fibre, byssus fibre, cashmere, catgut fibre, chitin fiber, chiengora fibre, denim, guanaco fibre, leather, llama fibre, mohair fibre, pashmina, qiviut fibre, rabbit fibre, silk, sinew fibre, spider silk, wool, velvet, vicuna fibre and yak fibre. In one embodiment, the fabric layer 1 02 is fabricated using an inorganic fibre, including but not limited to glass fiber, boron fibre, calcium silicate fiber, ceramic fibre, magnesium silicate fibre, metallic fibre, micro-glass fibre, potassium titanate fibre, silica fibre, silicate carbide fibre, silica carbide fibre and fluoride fibre.

In one embodiment, the fabric layer 1 02 is fabricated using a nanofibre, including but not limited to carbon nanotube fibre.

Moreover, selection of the material for the fabrication of the fabric layer 1 02 is based, for example, on a higher stiffness index or a higher flexibility index. It will be appreciated that, the variation in the material of the fabrication may result in the variation of the flexural rigidity and optical efficiency of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 .

In an embodiment, the fabric layer has a multilayer structure of at least two layers, wherein at least two layers of the multilayer structure are fabricated using at least one of the materials defined in Annex 1.

Furthermore, the multilayer fabrication of the fabric layer 1 02 provides optical efficiency and flexibility to the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 . However, the optical efficiency and flexibility depends on the arrangement of the multilayers.

In one embodiment, a given layer of the multilayer structure is disposed, in respect of an angle of its fabric weave, when viewed orthogonally to a plane of the given layer, at an angle in a range of 0° to 90°, optionally, in a range of 15° to 45°, with respect to one or more successive layers of the multilayer structure. Furthermore, the layers of the multilayer structure are arranged one over another such that a weave direction alignment of the layers is within an angle in the range of 0° to 90°. In an example, alignment of the layers makes an angle of 0°, i.e. weaves of successive layers (optionally, all layers) are parallel to each other. However, such an alignment results in lower flexural rigidity of the fabric layer 1 02 (and consequently, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 ), as the parallel alignment of the layers provides high flexural rigidity to the fabric layer 1 02 along the weave direction but low flexural rigidity to the fabric layer 1 02 perpendicular to the weave direction. In another example, alignment of the layers makes an angle of 90°, i.e. fabric weaves of successive layers are perpendicular to each other when viewed orthogonally (such as, when the layers are placed on a planar surface and viewed from on top of the planar surface). Consequently, the intersection of the fabric weaves of the successive layers provides higher flexural rigidity to the fabric layer 1 02 along the weave direction, as well as perpendicular to the weave direction of any given layer of the fabric layer 1 02 . However, such a fabric layer 1 02 is associated with low flexural rigidity in any other direction except the parallel and the perpendicular weave directions. In yet another example, successive layers of the multilayer structure of the fabric layer 1 02 are randomly disposed at an angle in the range of 0° to 90°, optionally, in the range of 15° to 45°. It will be appreciated that such a random disposition of the successive layers of the fabric layer 1 02 provides high flexural rigidity to the fabric layer 1 02 along all directions. Therefore beneficially, layers of the multilayer structure of the fabric layer 1 02 are disposed, in respect of the angle of its fabric weave, at an angle in the range of 0° to 90°, optionally, in the range of 15° to 45°.

In one embodiment, a first layer of the multilayer structure has a different characteristic than a second layer of the multilayer structure, wherein the characteristic comprises at least one of a weave density of fibres and a flexibility. Furthermore, the first layer has different characteristics than a second layer of the multilayer structure to provide an enhanced average optical conductivity as well as flexural rigidity to the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 . Additionally, the weave density of fibres relates to structural arrangement of grains of the fabric layer 1 02 . Beneficially, the variance in the characteristics of the successive layers of the fabric layer 1 02 results in the variation of rigidity of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00.

In one embodiment, at least one planar surface of the fabric layer 1 02 is a reflective surface, wherein the reflective surface reflects more than 50% of incident light, optionally, more than 80% of incident light. Furthermore, the at least one planar surface of the fabric layer 1 02 includes the reflective surface that is specular in nature and reflects or transmits the incident light. In addition, the reflective surface reflects more than 50%, optionally more than 80%, of incident light depending on the material of the fabric layer 1 02 . Beneficially, the light reflected from the fabric layer 1 02 may pass through the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00, where it may be absorbed and converted to electrical energy, thereby resulting in an increase of efficiency of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 .

Table 2 : Efficiency (%) of an organic photovoltaic device before and after integration with a fabric layer.

The non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 in Table 2 are beneficially fabricated by applying organic photovoltaic devices 1 06 to a fabric layer 1 02 using a fabric adhesive layer 1 04. The fabric layer 1 02 comprises a layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) reinforced with an additional layer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with a reflectance of 85%. The fabric layer 1 02 is white in colour and reflective, with a total thickness of 0.5 mm and a grammage of 550 g/m². The fabric adhesive layer 1 04 comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) 3M™ 468. Other fabric layers 1 02 and fabric adhesive layers 1 04 are optionally used. By applying a fabric layer 1 02 to the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 using a fabric adhesive layer 1 04 , the efficiency of the organic photovoltaic device 1 06 can be increased by 24.2% because the light reflected from the surface of the fabric layer 1 02 may be absorbed by the device 1 06 .

Throughout the present disclosure, the terms 'reflectance, reflection and reflective ' as used herein, relate to fraction of incident light that is reflected from a layer or a surface of a layer. Furthermore, these terms refer to an actual measured value of the reflection of light from a layer or a surface of a layer. Additionally, the measured value is optionally conveniently expressed as a percentage of the total amount of light incident on the structure and is measured using a specified range of wavelengths of light. Optionally, the specified range of wavelengths of light corresponds to the visible spectrum from 380 nm to 780 nm. In one embodiment, the fabric layer 1 02 is transparent, wherein more than 25% of incident light, optionally, more than 50% of incident light may pass through the fabric layer. Beneficially, the light transmitted through the fabric layer 1 02 may be used for applications, after passage through the fabric layer. Optionally, light passing through the fabric layer 1 02 may be used for general illumination of a covered or enclosed space, such as a building or room of a building, a courtyard or garden, a container or a vehicle to which the fabric layer 1 02 is optically coupled. Optionally, light passing through the fabric layer 1 02 may be used to provide light to plants in a greenhouse to which the fabric layer 1 02 is optically coupled. Optionally, light passing through the fabric layer 1 02 may be used to provide light to plants or animals in an area of water, such as a lake or reservoir to which the fabric layer 1 02 is optically coupled.

Throughout the present disclosure, the terms 'transmittance, transmission and transparent' as used herein, relate to fraction of incident light that passes through a structure. Furthermore, these terms refer to an actual measured value of the passage of light through a structure. Additionally, the measured value is optionally conveniently expressed as a percentage of the total amount of light incident on the structure and is measured using a specified range of wavelengths of light. Optionally, the specified range of wavelengths of light corresponds to the visible spectrum from 380 nm to 780 nm .

Throughout the present disclosure, the term 'optically coupled’ refers to any connection, coupling, link or the like that allows for imparting of light from one element to another element. For example, imparting of light from the fabric layer 1 02 to another element. Furthermore, two or more elements that are optically coupled are not necessarily directly connected to one another and may be separated by intermediate gaps, components or devices. According to an embodiment, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 comprises the fabric adhesive layer 1 04 . Furthermore, the fabric adhesive layer 1 04 is disposed over the fabric layer 1 02 to provide an adherent support between layers. Optionally, the fabric adhesive layer 1 04 may be one of a transparent or a semi-transparent material . Optionally, the adherent support between the layers provided by the fabric adhesive layer 1 04 may be reinforced by additional mechanical arrangements, including but not limited to stitching around one or more edges of the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 .

In one embodiment, the fabric adhesive layer 1 04 is fabricated using at least one of the materials defined in Annex 3. In one embodiment, the fabric adhesive layer 1 04 may be created by ultrasonic treatment of the interface between the fabric layer 1 02 and the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 . Referring next to FIG. 3, illustrated is a block diagram of a non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 300 is substantially structurally and functionally identical to the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00, for example, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 300 comprises the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06. It will be appreciated that the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 relates to a solar panel arrangement for harnessing solar energy. Furthermore, the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 is disposed over the fabric adhesive layer 1 04 (as shown in FIG. 1). Referring to FIG. 3, the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 comprises multiple layers. As shown, the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 comprises a substrate 302 (such as the substrate 1 1 2 of FIG. 1), a first electrode 304 (such as the first electrode 1 1 4 of FIG. 1), at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306 (such as the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 1 1 6 of FIG. 1), and a second electrode 308 (such as the second electrode 1 1 8 of FIG. 1). Furthermore, the first electrode 304 is disposed over the substrate 302 , the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306 is disposed over the first electrode 304, and the second electrode 308 is disposed over the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306. Optionally, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 300 may include a first barrier layer 1 1 0 and a first barrier adhesive layer 1 08.

It will be appreciated that the substrate 302 relates to a non-rigid layer disposed over the fabric adhesive layer 1 04 , and that the substrate may be transparent, semi-transparent, opaque and/or reflective. Furthermore, the substrate 302 may be a thin film layer that provides support to the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06. The substrate 302 may comprise any suitable material that provides the desired structural and optical properties. The substrate 302 may be flat or curved. Preferred substrate materials are plastic and metal foil. Other substrates, such as fabric, paper, stone, concrete and glass may be used. Optionally, the substrate 302 is manufactured from polymer or semi- polymer material, such as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) or Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN), which may enhance the flexibility and durability of the substrate thereof. The material and thickness of the substrate 302 may be chosen to obtain desired structural and optical properties.

It will be appreciated that the first electrode 304 and the second electrode 308 include a positive and a negative electrode. The first and second electrodes 304, 308 are configured to have opposite polarity, with the first electrode 304 being a negative or positive electrode, and the second electrode 308 having opposite polarity from the first electrode 304. In such an example implementation, the at least two electrodes are arranged in a manner wherein the negative electrode may be transparent to enable passage of light. By "transparent" is meant, for example, to have an optical transmission of light in the range of wavelengths from 380 nm to 780 nm therethrough that is greater than 80%, optionally greater than 90%. Optionally, the negative electrode is fabricated from a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). Alternatively, the negative electrode optionally comprises a multilayer structure of a metal layer, such as a metal layer including silver (Ag), sandwiched between layers of TCO. Optionally, the positive electrode may be transparent to enable passage of light. By "transparent" is meant, for example, to have an optical transmission of light in the range of wavelengths from 380 nm to 780 nm therethrough that is greater than 80%, optionally greater than 90%. Optionally, the positive electrode is fabricated from a layer or grid of gold, aluminium, copper or silver, carbon or silver nanowires or carbon or silver nanoparticles. Optionally, the positive electrode is fabricated from a semi- transparent or opaque layer of gold, aluminium, copper or silver, carbon or silver nanowires or carbon or silver nanoparticles. Optionally, the positive electrode is fabricated from a semi-transparent layer of polymer, such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)- poly(styrenesulfonate) (or PEDOT: PSS). Optionally, the positive electrode is fabricated from a combination of any of the aforementioned layers. Optionally, the first electrode 304 and the second electrode 308 may be operable to switch between a transparent or semi-transparent state to an opaque state.

Devices fabricated in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may optionally comprise a first barrier layer 1 1 0 . One purpose of the barrier layer 1 1 0 is to protect device layers from damaging species in the environment, including moisture, vapour and/or gasses. Optionally, the barrier layer 1 1 0 may be a bulk material such as a glass, a plastics material or a metal (or metal alloy). Optionally, the barrier layer 1 1 0 may be deposited onto a film. Where the barrier layer 1 1 0 is deposited onto a film, preferred film materials comprise glass, plastics materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and metal foils. The barrier layer 1 1 0 may be formed by various known deposition techniques, including sputtering, vacuum thermal evaporation, electron-beam deposition and chemical vapour deposition (CVD) techniques, such as plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD). Any suitable material or combination of materials may be used for the barrier layer 1 1 0 . The barrier layer 1 1 0 may incorporate organic or inorganic compounds or both. Preferred inorganic barrier layer materials include aluminium oxides such as AI2O3, silicon oxides such as S1O2, silicon nitrides such as Si N_x and bulk materials such as glasses, plastics and metals. Preferred organic barrier layer materials include polymers. The barrier layer 1 1 0 may comprise a single layer or multiple layers.

Devices fabricated in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may optionally comprise a first barrier adhesive layer 1 08. The first barrier adhesive layer 1 08 may be used to affix the first barrier layer 1 1 0 in position over the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 . Preferred materials for the first barrier adhesive layer include thermal or UV-curable adhesives, hot-melt adhesives and pressure sensitive adhesives.

In one embodiment, the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306 may include at least two principle components. In such an example implementation, the at least one active layer 306 may include at least one donor which absorbs received light, for example sunlight, and at least one acceptor which extracts electrons from an excitonic bound electron- hole pair, resulting in an electron traveling in the at least one acceptor phase of the active layer 306 and a hole traveling in the at least one donor phase. In one embodiment, the at least one donor and at least one acceptor are arranged in a distributed heterojunction. Such an arrangement may be of advantage because it may increase the flexibility of the active layer 306 and therefore the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 .

It should be understood that the term "distributed heterojunction" refers to the physical arrangement of donor and acceptor materials in the organic photovoltaic layer. In some other sources, the term "bulk heterojunction" is used to describe this arrangement. It should be understood that the terms "distributed heterojunction" and "bulk heterojunction" refer to the same physical arrangement of donor and acceptor, and that the terms may be used interchangeably.

Optionally, the donor may comprise an organic small molecule material, an organic polymer material or an organic dendrimer material. Optionally, the donor may be a polymer. Optionally, the donor may be a polymer comprising one or more thiophene moieties. One example of such a donor is P3HT. Optionally, the donor may be a low energy band gap polymer with an energy band gap of less than or equal to 2.0 eV. One example of such a donor is PffBT4T-2DT. One further example of such a donor is PTB7-Th. Optionally, the acceptor may comprise an organic small molecule material, an organic polymer material or an organic dendrimer material. Optionally, the acceptor may be a fullerene material. One example of such an acceptor is PCBM . One further example of such an acceptor is PC71BM . Optionally, the acceptor may be a non-fullerene material. One example of such an acceptor is O-IDTBR. One further example of such an acceptor is EH-IDTBR. One further example of such an acceptor is COi8DFIC.

In one embodiment, the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306 comprises at least one donor and at least one acceptor. The donor material may be a polymer material, a small molecule material or a dendrimer material. The acceptor material may be a polymer material, a small molecule material or a dendrimer material. In one example, the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306 comprises at least one polymer donor and at least one small molecule acceptor. In one example, the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306 comprises at least one polymer donor and at least one small molecule acceptor that is a fullerene material. One such example of an organic photovoltaic layer 306 is P3HT: PCBM, where P3HT is a polymer donor, and PCBM (Phenyl-C61- Butyric Acid Methyl Ester) is a fullerene acceptor, as described in Holliday et at., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety (full reference details defined below).

In one example, the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306 comprises at least one polymer donor, and at least one small molecule acceptor that is a non-fullerene material. One such example of an organic photovoltaic layer 306 is P3HT:0-IDTBR, where P3HT is a polymer donor, and O-IDTBR is a non-fullerene acceptor, as described in Holliday et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. One further example of such an organic photovoltaic layer 306 is PffBT4T-2DT: EH- IDTBR, where PffBT4T-2DT is a polymer donor, and EH-IDTBR is a non- fullerene acceptor, as described in Wadsworth et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety (full reference details defined below).

Optionally, the organic photovoltaic material system may include three principle components. In such an example implementation, the at least one active layer 306 may include at least one donor which absorbs received light, for example sunlight, and at least two acceptors which extract electrons from an excitonic bound electron-hole pair, resulting in an electron traveling in at least one of the at least two acceptor phases of the active layer 306 and a hole traveling in the at least one donor phase. In one embodiment, the at least one donor and at least two acceptors acceptor are arranged in a distributed heterojunction. Such an arrangement may be of advantage because it may increase the flexibility of the active layer 306 and therefore the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06.

In one example, the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306 comprises at least one polymer donor, and at least two small molecule acceptors. In one example, the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306 comprises at least one polymer donor, and at least two small molecule acceptors, wherein at least one acceptor is a fullerene material, and at least one acceptor is a non-fullerene material. One example of such an organic photovoltaic layer 306 is: PTB7-Th :COi8DFIC: PC7iBM, where PTB7-Th is a polymer donor, COi8DFIC is a non-fullerene acceptor and PC71BM is a fullerene acceptor, as described in Li et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In one example, the at least one photovoltaic layer includes two or more photovoltaic layers. In one example, the two or more photovoltaic layers are arranged in a tandem device architecture. Optionally, the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 is associated with a power conversion efficiency in a range of 1% to 15%, optionally in a range of 2.5% to 7.5%, more optionally in a range of 4% to 6%. It will be appreciated that, although the at least one organic photovoltaic device comprising organic photovoltaics (OPVs) (implemented as the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306) may have a relatively lower quantum efficiency of circa 5% associated with conversion of incident sunlight to corresponding electrical power, such as in comparison to circa 20% for mono-crystalline and poly-crystalline Silicon photovoltaics, OPVs are potentially far less expensive and more versatile than mono-crystalline and poly-crystalline Silicon photovoltaics. Therefore, the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 can be implemented with a wider range of products for harnessing energy from incident sunlight and at lower cost as compared to photovoltaic devices comprising mono-crystalline or poly- crystalline Silicon photovoltaics. Some such exemplary products have been illustrated in FIGs. 8 to 23 hereinafter.

Referring next to FIG. 4, illustrated is a block diagram of a non-rigid photovoltaic device 400, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 400 is substantially structurally and functionally identical to the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00, for example, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 400 also comprises at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06. Moreover, the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 comprises the substrate 302, the first electrode 304, the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306, and the second electrode 308 . However, the non- rigid photovoltaic device 400 further comprises at least one charge transport layer, such as charge transport layers 402. Furthermore, the charge transport layers 402 are fabricated between the two electrodes (i .e. the first electrode 304 and the second electrode 308) with the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306 in the middle. For example, as shown, a charge transport layer 402 is disposed between the first electrode 304 and the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306, and another charge transport layer 402 is disposed between the second electrode 308 and the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306. The charge transport layers 402 provide enhanced transport of charge from the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306 to the electrodes (i.e. the first electrode 304 and the second electrode 308), and thereby enhance the efficiency of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 400. Optionally, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 400 may include a first barrier layer 1 1 0 and a first barrier adhesive layer 1 08. Referring next to FIG. 5, illustrated is a block diagram of a non-rigid photovoltaic device 500, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 500 is substantially structurally and functionally identical to the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 or 300 of FIGs. 1 and 3, for example, the non- rigid photovoltaic device 500 also comprises at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06. Moreover, the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 comprises the substrate 302, the first electrode 304, the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306, and the second electrode 308. Moreover, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 500 comprises the fabric layer 1 02 and a fabric adhesive layer 1 04. Moreover, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 500 comprises the first barrier layer 1 1 0 and the first barrier adhesive layer 1 08. However, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 500 further comprises a second barrier layer 502, and a second barrier adhesive layer 504. Furthermore, the second barrier layer 502 and the second barrier adhesive layer 502 are disposed between the fabric adhesive layer 1 04 and the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06. Additionally, the second barrier layer 502 is disposed between the fabric adhesive layer 1 04 and the second barrier adhesive layer 504, and the second barrier adhesive layer 504 is disposed between the second barrier layer 502 and the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06. The second barrier layer 502 and the second barrier adhesive layer 504 are provided to enhance the protection of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 500 , particularly for the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 , from ingress of water from the environment. The second barrier layer 502 and the second barrier adhesive layer 504 may have similar properties to the first barrier layer 1 1 0 and first barrier adhesive layer 1 08 , respectively, described herein.

Referring next to FIG. 6, illustrated is a block diagram of a non-rigid photovoltaic device 600 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 600 is substantially structurally and functionally identical to the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 or 300 of FIGs. 1 and 3, for example, the non- rigid photovoltaic device 600 also comprises at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 . Moreover, the at least one organic photovoltaic device 1 06 comprises the substrate 302 , the first electrode 304 , the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306 , and the second electrode 308 . Moreover, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 600 comprises the first barrier adhesive layer 1 08 and the first barrier layer 1 1 0 . However, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 600 further comprises a frontsheet adhesive layer 602 and a frontsheet layer 604 . The frontsheet adhesive layer 602 is disposed over the first barrier layer 1 1 0 and the frontsheet layer 604 is disposed over the frontsheet adhesive layer 602 . Beneficially, the frontsheet layer 604 and the frontsheet adhesive layer 602 protect the non-rigid photovoltaic device 600 from undesirable radiation from the sun and mechanical damage, and thus increase the durability and ruggedness of thereof. Beneficially, the frontsheet may be auto-cleaning, such that dust and debris may not accumulate on the frontsheet. For example, the frontsheet may be hydrophilic with a water contact angle of less than or equal to 90 degrees.

Optionally, in each of the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 , 300 , 400 , 500 and 600 , the first electrode 304 , the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306 and the second electrode 308 are disposed over the substrate layer 302. More optionally, in each of the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 , 300, 400, 500 and 600 , the substrate layer 302 is disposed over the first electrode 304 , the at least one organic photovoltaic layer 306 and the second electrode 308.

FIGs. 7 to 23 are schematic illustrations depicting various implementations of non-rigid photovoltaic devices of the present disclosure, such as non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 , 300, 400, 500 and 600 , in accordance with various embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, a series of non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 are connected to each other to configure an arrangement 700. A certain number of the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 are connected in series to operate at a certain range of values depending on the necessity and operating conditions. For example, depending on the number of the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 in the arrangement 700 , a certain amount of electrical power output may be derived therefrom. The arrangement 700 may optionally further include bus bars 702 , 704 configured to be connected to a battery (not shown) for harvesting the electrical power generated by the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00. Optionally, the non-rigid photovoltaic devices may be connected in a different arrangement than shown in FIG. 7. For example, optionally, the non-rigid photovoltaic devices may be connected in parallel, or more optionally connected in an arrangement with series and parallel connections.

According to various embodiments, the non-rigid photovoltaic devices, such as non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 , 300 , 400 , 500 , 600 , of the present disclosure are implemented in one of an item of luggage, an item of clothing, a sailcloth, a carport, a bicycle port, a tarpaulin, a cover or canopy, a tent, a marquis or shelter, a parasol, a greenhouse, a floating structure, an aerial vehicle, a drone, a mobile charging apparatus, a window blind, a retractable roof cover, and an awning attached to a building, a vehicle or container.

Referring now to FIGs. 8 to 23, illustrated are some exemplary implementations of the non-rigid photovoltaic devices, in accordance with a few embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented on an item of luggage. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented on a backpack 800. It will be appreciated that, when the backpack 800 is worn by a user thereof and the user is traveling (such as walking) in an outdoor location, a frontal surface (such as the surface thereof facing away from the back of the user) will be associated with a highest surface area that the sunlight is incident thereon. In such an instance, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is arranged on the frontal surface of the backpack 800 such that the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 receives maximum incident sunlight.

In another example, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented with the backpack 800 in a retractable form, such as, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can be folded or rolled into the backpack 800 when the user is not travelling outdoors. Furthermore, when the user is travelling outdoors, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can be rolled or folded out of the backpack 800. In such an instance, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can be suspended over the frontal surface of the backpack 800. Optionally, the non-rigid photovoltaic device can be suspended such that the non-rigid photovoltaic device is in a partially hanging state (such as 25% to 50% of a length of the non- rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 hangs below the backpack when in use).

As disclosed herein, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is thinner, lighter and may be rolled to a smaller radius of curvature than alternative photovoltaic devices. This reliability allows for a larger area non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 to be rolled into the same volume with the same weight than for alternative photovoltaic devices, and therefore relatively more energy can be generated by a roll of the non-rigid photovoltaic device than for a roll of alternative photovoltaic devices of the same volume and weight. This is particularly advantageous for implementation in an item of luggage, such as a backpack, because the backpack may be smaller and lighter so that it may be carried more comfortably and for greater distances.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented on an item of clothing (such as T-shirt) 900. It will be appreciated that when the item of clothing, such as the T-shirt 900 is worn by a user, a chest area, a back area and/or a shoulder area of the T-shirt receives a maximum incident sunlight thereon. In such an instance, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can implemented on the T-shirt along the chest, the back or the shoulder area of the T-shirt 900. In an example, the T-shirt 900 can comprise one or more electronic components arranged thereon (not shown), including but not limited to, a lighting arrangement (such as an arrangement of LEDs), a speaker, a sensor, a display, a tracking device, a cooling fan and so forth. In such an instance, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can be electrically connected to the one or more electronic components. Furthermore, electrical energy obtained by harnessing sunlight incident on the T-shirt 900 can be used for providing power for operation of such one or more electronic components.

Optionally, the item of clothing can comprise at least one of: a T-shirt, a shirt, a vest, a sweater, a jacket, a pair of trousers, a pair of shirts, a skirt, a dress, a cape, a hat and so forth. For example, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented on a cape that is part of a costume. It will be appreciated that when the cape is worn by a user as part of the costume, a surface of the cape facing away from a back of the user receives a maximum incident sunlight thereon. In such an instance, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented on the surface of the cape facing away from the back of the user.

As disclosed herein, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is thinner, lighter and may be rolled to a smaller radius of curvature than alternative photovoltaic devices, as aforementioned. This rollability is particularly advantageous for implementation on an item of clothing, such as a T- shirt because the T-shirt may be lighter and more flexible than a T-shirt using other photovoltaic devices, so that it may be worn more comfortably and may be more easily cleaned. Furthermore, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be different colours, such as red, blue, purple, green and grey which enables the T-shirt to incorporate colourful designs that would not be possible with alternative photovoltaic devices.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented on a sailcloth 1 000 . It will be appreciated that watercrafts such as boats, kayaks, ferries, yachts, canoes, ships and so forth may be required to travel for extended periods of time on open waters, wherein the watercrafts may not have access to external power sources to replenish their power. Consequently, the watercrafts are required to be provided with an easily replenishable power source that can maintain operation of the watercraft for such extended periods of time. In such an instance, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is arranged on the sailcloth of a watercraft, such that it receives a maximum incident sunlight thereon. Furthermore, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is electrically coupled to a power source of the watercraft, wherein the power source comprises a battery arrangement operable to supply driving power to the watercraft. For example, the watercraft is a boat and the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented on the sailcloth 1 000 (such as a wind sail) of the boat. In such an example, the sailcloth is operable to harness a wind energy associated with wind blowing along the sailcloth while the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is operable to harness electrical energy associated with sunlight incident on the sailcloth

1 000 .

As disclosed herein, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is thinner, lighter and may be rolled to a smaller radius of curvature than alternative photovoltaic devices. This reliability is particularly advantageous for implementation in a sailcloth because a sailcloth that includes the non- rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be lighter and more flexible than for sailcloth including alternative photovoltaic devices. The weight of the sailboat may therefore be reduced, allowing the watercraft to sail more efficiently. Furthermore, a sailcloth that includes the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is more flexible than a sailcloth that includes alternative photovoltaic devices. This enables the sailcloth to expand and contract with greater tolerance, providing a more rugged design that can better withstand the force of the wind, allowing the sailcloth to operate for a longer period of time before replacement is required. Furthermore, when not in use, a sailcloth that includes the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be rolled into a smaller volume than for sailcloth of the same area that includes alternative photovoltaic devices. This allows the sailcloth to be stored more efficiently. In another example, the watercraft is a ferry and the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented on a tarpaulin, cover or canopy that covers a roof of the ferry. In such an example, the tarpaulin, cover or canopy provides protection from sunlight, wind, rain, dust and pollutants blowing towards the ferry while the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is operable to harness electrical energy associated with sunlight incident on the tarpaulin, cover or canopy.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 11, such a tarpaulin, cover or canopy may also be implemented as a cover for a truck or trailer. In such an example, the tarpaulin, cover or canopy 1 1 00 provides protection from sunlight, wind, rain, dust and pollutants to any goods carried by the truck or trailer, while the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is operable to harness electrical energy associated with sunlight incident on the tarpaulin, cover or canopy.

As disclosed herein, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is thinner, lighter and may be rolled to a lower radius of curvature than alternative photovoltaic devices. This is particularly advantageous for implementation in a tarpaulin, cover or canopy for application in a cover for a ferry or truck because a cover that includes the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be lighter than for a cover that includes alternative photovoltaic devices, allowing the ferry or truck to operate more efficiently, with reduced power consumption . Furthermore, a tarpaulin, cover or canopy that includes the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is more flexible than a tarpaulin, cover or canopy that includes alternative photovoltaic devices. This enables the tarpaulin, cover or canopy to flex more easily with the movement and/or vibration of the ferry or truck, enabling a tarpaulin, cover or canopy with the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 to be more rugged and operate with longer lifetime than a tarpaulin, cover or canopy that includes alternative photovoltaic devices. Furthermore, when not in use, a tarpaulin, cover or canopy that includes the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be rolled into a smaller volume than for a tarpaulin, cover or canopy of the same area that includes alternative photovoltaic devices. This allows the tarpaulin, cover or canopy to be stored more efficiently.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 12, such a tarpaulin, cover or canopy could also be implemented as a cover for a carport. In such an example, the tarpaulin, cover or canopy 1 200 provides protection from sunlight, wind, rain, dust and pollutants to any vehicle parked under the carport, while the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is operable to harness electrical energy associated with sunlight incident on the tarpaulin, cover or canopy. Optionally, such a tarpaulin, cover or canopy could also be implemented as a cover for a bicycle port. In such an example, the tarpaulin, cover or canopy provides protection from sunlight, wind, rain, dust and pollutants to any bicycle parked under the bicycle port, while the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is operable to harness electrical energy associated with sunlight incident on the tarpaulin, cover or canopy.

As disclosed herein, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is thinner, lighter and may be rolled to a lower radius of curvature than alternative photovoltaic devices. This is particularly advantageous for implementation in a tarpaulin, cover or canopy for application in a cover for a carport or bicycle port because a cover that includes the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be lighter than for a cover that includes alternative photovoltaic devices, allowing the frame of the carport or bicycle port that is attached to the cover to be constructed with a simpler and lower cost design. Furthermore, a tarpaulin, cover or canopy that includes the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is more flexible than a tarpaulin, cover or canopy that includes alternative photovoltaic devices. This enables the tarpaulin, cover or canopy to flex more easily with movement from the wind and/or vibrations from passing vehicles, enabling the tarpaulin, cover or canopy with the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 to be more rugged and operate with longer lifetime than a tarpaulin, cover or canopy that includes alternative photovoltaic devices.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 13, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented on an electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 , which may be implemented with a carport comprising a non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 , such as exemplified in FIG. 12. As shown, the electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 is fabricated to have an L-shape. Furthermore, a plurality of non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 are disposed on a vertical portion of the L-shaped electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 , and a horizontal portion of the L- shaped electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 has a charging arrangement 1 302 arranged therein. For example, the charging arrangement 1 302 is implemented as an inductive charging arrangement (or wireless charging arrangement) and comprises an inductive coil arrangement (for example, a resonant inductive coil arrangement) therein. Alternatively, the charging arrangement 1 302 is implemented as a wired charging arrangement connectable via wires (such as, using a plug). In operation, the electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 may be arranged on a wall such that the vertical portion of the L- shaped electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 is supported against the wall and the horizontal portion thereof is laid on the ground near the wall. Subsequently, sunlight incident on the wall is harnessed by the plurality of non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 disposed on the vertical portion of the L-shaped electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 . Furthermore, the plurality of non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 are electrically connected to the charging arrangement 1 302 , such as, using elongated electronic modules arranged along a vertex of the L-shaped electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 . Optionally, the vertex of the L-shaped electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 can have rounded ends (such as, rounded sides at the vertex of the L-shaped electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 when viewed in a used state as shown in FIG. 13). In such an instance, the horizontal and vertical portions of the electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 can be rolled or folded around the vertex when the electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 is not in use, such as, for convenient storage and/or portability thereof. Moreover, when an electrical vehicle is required to be charged using the electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 , the electrical vehicle is driven to be positioned close to the electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 , such that a charging arrangement 1 304 of the electrical vehicle is positioned proximal to the charging arrangement 1 302 . In such an instance, electrical energy converted by harnessing incident sunlight on the plurality of non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 , is wirelessly (or using a wired means, such as via a plug connected to each of the charging arrangements 1 302 and 1 304 respectively) transmitted to the charging element 1 304 of the electrical vehicle via the charging arrangement 1 302 , to charge a power source (such as a battery) associated with the electrical vehicle. Optionally, the electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 can be electrically connected (such as, via wiring) to a home associated with the wall that the electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 is positioned thereagainst. In such an instance, when electrical energy is not required to charge the power source of the electrical vehicle, the electrical energy is transmitted to the home to provide power for operating one or more appliances therein. Optionally, the electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 comprises a battery arrangement (not shown) electrically connected to the plurality of non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 and the charging arrangement 1 302 . In such an instance, when electrical energy is not required to charge the power source of the electrical vehicle, the electrical energy can be stored in the battery arrangement of the electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 .

It will be appreciated that, when a plurality of non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 are associated with a surface area of approximately 10 m² and are subject to incident sunlight associated with energy of approximately 1000 W/m², for 5% efficiency of each of the plurality of non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 , the electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 will provide approximately 500 W of electrical power. Furthermore, an electrical vehicle battery of 10 kWh capacity (for example, a small light-weight electrical vehicle) would take approximately 20 hours to charge. For example, an electrical vehicle having the electrical vehicle battery of 10 kWh capacity can be a small truck for a farmer. Such a small truck can enable the farmer to take agricultural goods to market at least once per week within a driving range of approximately 50 km for no cost (by harnessing sunlight for providing power to drive the truck), thereby, increasing a profit made by the farmer and improving a livelihood thereof. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 14, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented on a tent, marquis or shelter 1 400 . In such an example, the tent, marquis or shelter 1 400 provides protection from sunlight, wind, rain, dust and pollutants to people and goods, while the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is operable to harness electrical energy associated with sunlight incident on the tent marquis or shelter 1 400 .

As disclosed herein, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is thinner, lighter and may be rolled to a lower radius of curvature than alternative photovoltaic devices. This is particularly advantageous for implementation in a tent, marquis or shelter 1 400 because a tent, marquis or shelter 1 400 that includes the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be lighter than for a tent, marquis or shelter that includes alternative photovoltaic devices, allowing the tent, marquis or shelter 1 400 to be assembled, disassembled and transported more efficiently. Furthermore, a tent, marquis or shelter 1 400 that includes the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is more flexible than a tent, tarpaulin or shelter that includes alternative photovoltaic devices. This enables the tent, marquis or people shelter 1 400 to flex more easily with movement in the wind, enabling the tent, tarpaulin or shelter 1 400 with the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 to be more rugged and operate with longer lifetime than a tent, marquis or shelter that includes alternative photovoltaic devices. The increased flexibility also allows more efficient designs, for example, where a single piece of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be flexed over or around a fixture or component of the tent, marquis or shelter 1 400 , and where for alternative photovoltaic devices with lower flexibility, multiple pieces would need to be used. Furthermore, when not in use, a tent, marquis or shelter 1 400 that includes the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be rolled into a smaller volume than for a tent, marquis or shelter of the same area that includes alternative photovoltaic devices. This allows the tent, marquis or shelter 1 400 to be stored and/or transported more efficiently.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 15, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented on a greenhouse 1 500 . In such an example, the greenhouse 1 500 provides a controlled environment for the growth of plants, while the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is operable to harness electrical energy associated with sunlight incident on the greenhouse 1 500 .

As disclosed herein, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is thinner, lighter and may be rolled to a lower radius of curvature than alternative photovoltaic devices. This reliability is particularly advantageous for implementation in a greenhouse 1 500 because a greenhouse 1 500 that includes the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be lighter than for a greenhouse that includes alternative photovoltaic devices, allowing the greenhouse 1 500 to be assembled, disassembled and transported more efficiently. Furthermore, a greenhouse 1 500 that includes the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is more flexible than a greenhouse that includes alternative photovoltaic devices. This enables the greenhouse 1 500 to flex more easily with movement in the wind, enabling the greenhouse 1 500 with the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 to be more rugged and operate with longer lifetime than a greenhouse that includes an alternative photovoltaic device. The increased flexibility also allows more efficient designs, for example, where a single piece of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be flexed over or around a fixture or component of the greenhouse 1 500 , and where for alternative photovoltaic devices with lower flexibility, multiple pieces would need to be used. Furthermore, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be transparent with greater than 25% transmittance, and optionally greater than 50% transmittance. This is advantageous because light may pass through the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 to provide solar energy for growth to plants within the greenhouse 1 500. This is not possible with alternative photovoltaic devices that are opaque.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 16, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented in a floating structure 1 600. In such an example, the non- rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is operable to harness electrical energy associated with sunlight incident on the floating structure 1 600, where the floating structure 1 600 may be located over water, which comprises the majority of the surface area on Earth.

As disclosed herein, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is thinner, lighter and may be rolled to a lower radius of curvature than alternative photovoltaic devices. This is particularly advantages for implementation in a floating structure 1 600 because a floating structure 1 600 that includes the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be lighter than for a floating structure that includes alternative photovoltaic devices, allowing the floating structure 1 600 to be lighter and to therefore require simpler and fewer buoys to enable flotation. Furthermore, a floating structure 1 600 that includes the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is more flexible than a floating structure that includes alternative photovoltaic devices. This enables the floating structure 1 600 to flex more easily with movement in the water and from the wind, enabling the floating structure 1 600 with the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 to be more rugged and operate with longer lifetime than a floating structure that includes alternative photovoltaic devices. The increased flexibility also allows more efficient designs, for example, where a single piece of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be flexed over or around a fixture or component of the floating structure 1 600, and where for alternative photovoltaic devices with lower flexibility, multiple pieces would need to be used. Furthermore, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be transparent with greater than 25% transmittance, and optionally greater than 50% transmittance. This is advantageous because light can pass through the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 to provide solar energy for growth to plants and animals in the water under the floating structure 1 600 . This is not possible with alternative photovoltaic devices that are opaque.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 17, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented in an aerial vehicle, such as a blimp or airship 1 700 . In such an example, the blimp or airship 1 700 provides an arrangement for transportation, surveillance, advertisement or otherwise, while the non- rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is operable to harness electrical energy associated with sunlight incident on the blimp or airship 1 700 .

As disclosed herein, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is thinner, lighter and may be rolled to a lower radius of curvature than alternative photovoltaic devices. This reliability is particularly advantageous for implementation in an aerial vehicle such as a blimp or airship 1 700 because a blimp or airship 1 700 that includes the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be lighter than for a blimp or airship that includes alternative photovoltaic devices, allowing the blimp or airship 1 700 to be lighter and to fly more efficiently. Furthermore, a blimp or airship 1 700 that includes the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is more flexible than a blimp or airship that includes alternative photovoltaic devices. This enables the blimp or airship 1 700 to flex more easily with movement in the wind, enabling the blimp or airship 1 700 with the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 to be more rugged and operate with longer lifetime than a blimp or airship that includes an alternative photovoltaic device. The increased flexibility also allows more efficient designs, for example, where a single piece of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be flexed over or around a fixture or component of the blimp or airship 1 700 , and where for alternative photovoltaic devices with lower flexibility, multiple pieces would need to be used.

Optionally, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented in a drone, such as a quadcopter, and the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is arranged with legs of the drone, away from propellers thereof. Furthermore, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is arranged such that during flight of the drone, a maximum amount of sunlight is incident on the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 . Moreover, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is electrically connected to a battery of the drone. It will be appreciated that during operation (such as, during flight) of the drone, sunlight incident on the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can be harnessed and provided as power to the drone. Such power provided to the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 increases a per-flight travel time thereof. Additionally, a fabric layer of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can capture thermal currents flowing upwards towards the drone, thereby, enabling to reduce a load on the propellers of the drone and further enhancing the per-flight travel time of the drone.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 18, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented on a mobile charging apparatus 1 800 . As shown, non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 can be disposed on a fabric that is attached to a cylindrical container. Furthermore, during use of the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 , the fabric comprising the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 disposed thereon, can be rolled out of the cylindrical container, to be exposed to incident sunlight. Subsequently, after use of the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 , the fabric comprising the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 can be rolled into the cylindrical container for storage. Optionally, the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 comprises a rotatable handle 1 802 that is attached to the fabric. In such an embodiment, the handle 1 802 can be rotated by a user of the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 to roll (or unroll) the fabric into the cylindrical container. Optionally, the cylindrical container is fabricated using a transparent material that is operable to withstand heating and damage due to incident sunlight thereon. In such an implementation, the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 can be placed in a path of incident sunlight, such that the incident sunlight at least partially falls on the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 and consequently, the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 can be used with the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 in a rolled-up state. It will be appreciated that such a use of the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 with the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 in the rolled-up state, enables a user to passively use the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 , such as, without having to unroll the fabric and arrange the fabric in an optimal path of incident sunlight. Therefore, the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 enables the user to harness incident sunlight that would otherwise have been wasted. For example, the user can attach the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 to a belt buckle or a backpack thereof (with the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 in the rolled-up state) while walking outdoors in sunny conditions, to at least partially harness the sunlight incident thereon. Optionally, the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 comprises a battery 1 804 , for example, the battery 1 804 can be incorporated into the cylindrical container of the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 . In such an implementation, energy harnessed from sunlight incident on the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 can be stored for later use.

It will be appreciated that the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 can be fabricated to have any other shape or form factor, while implementing an identical functionality of the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 . In one example, the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 can be fabricated to have a cuboidal shape, such that the cylindrical container of the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 is instead implemented to have a box structure. In such an example, the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 can be folded into the cuboidal container of the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 . In another example, the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 can be folded in a zig-zag pattern into a substantially flat form-factor of the mobile charging apparatus 1 800. In such an example, the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 can be implemented to resemble a wallet (or a purse, a fanny pack and so forth). It will be appreciated that such a substantially flat form-factor of the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 enables easy portability and use thereof.

Optionally, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented on a small fabric area, such as an awning, a screen, a curtain and so forth (for example having a surface area in a range of 0.1 m² to 20 m²). In such an instance, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is disposed on a surface of the small fabric associated with maximum incident sunlight thereon. For example, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is disposed on an upper surface of an awning arranged to cover a window, wherein the upper surface is a surface facing away from the window. For example, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is disposed on an upper surface of a parasol arranged to cover a small area under the parasol, wherein the upper surface is a surface facing towards the light source.

In one example, the small fabric can be a vehicle cover that is used for covering and protecting a vehicle such as a car, truck or bicycle from wind, rain, dust, pollutants and so forth when the vehicle is not in use. In such an example, an upper surface of the small fabric facing away from the vehicle and towards incident sunlight can be arranged with one or more non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 (for example, the upper surface of the cloth can be entirely covered with the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 ). Furthermore, the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 can be electrically connected to an arrangement, such as a battery arrangement, for receiving electrical energy obtained by harnessing the sunlight incident on the small fabric. In an example, the vehicle is an electrical vehicle and a plurality of the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 are arranged on an upper surface of a cover used to cover the electrical vehicle. Furthermore, a charging arrangement is disposed on a lower surface (such as a surface facing the electrical vehicle) of the cover. Moreover, the electrical vehicle comprises an inductive charging arrangement disposed on a roof thereof. In such an instance, the plurality of the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 are operable to harness electrical energy from the sunlight incident on the cover and subsequently, the electrical energy is transmitted to the charging arrangement of the cover. Furthermore, in operation, the cover is laid on top of the electrical vehicle such that the charging arrangement of the cover is proximal to the inductive charging arrangement of the electrical vehicle. In such an instance, the electrical energy is inductively transmitted to the electrical vehicle via the inductive charging arrangement and such electrical energy can be used for charging a power source of the electrical vehicle (such as a battery arrangement). It will be appreciated that such an implementation of the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 on the cover for the electrical vehicle enables usage of the incident sunlight to charge the electrical vehicle (such as, when the electrical vehicle is parked outdoors), while protecting the electrical vehicle from harmful effects of sunlight, dust, rain, wind, pollutants, and so forth. Optionally, the non-rigid photovoltaic devices 1 00 are implemented on a foldable sunroof of a vehicle. In such an instance, the electrical energy harnessed from the sunlight incident on the sunroof can be employed to provide power to one or more appliances within the vehicle (such as a mobile charging arrangement, a radio, a mini- television, a display monitor and so forth). Optionally, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 are implemented in truck bed covers.

It will be appreciated that the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can be implemented on large fabrics. Standalone structures including, but not limited to, airports, museums, concert venues, shopping malls, sports stadiums and so forth are provided with large fabrics that are associated with one or more functions. For example, by "large" is meant in excess of 20 m², more optionally in excess of 50 m², and yet more optionally in excess of 100 m². For example, airports, museums, shopping malls and so forth are arranged with sound-dampening fabrics that are suspended from a roof thereof. Furthermore, such large fabrics are suspended at a loft height along the structure, such as, to a height of 50% to 90% from a base of the structure to the roof of the structure. In such an example, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can be disposed along one or both surfaces of the large fabric. Furthermore, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 disposed along the large fabric, can be electrically coupled to a power source operable to power the structure that the large fabric is suspended therefrom. It will be appreciated that the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can be used to harness energy associated with sunlight incident on the structure, to at least partially meet the power requirements of the structure. In one example, the energy harnessed from the sunlight incident on the structure is stored (such as, in a battery arrangement) and subsequently, the energy is used to provide power to the structure at night time. In another example, the energy harnessed from the sunlight incident on the structure is transmitted to a power station associated with providing power to the structure. In such an example, the power transmitted to the power station can be utilised for load-balancing purposes and/or the power can be received back from the power station to the structure when there is a need for additional power at the structure.

In one example, the structure can comprise open structures such as concert venues, sports stadiums, amphitheatres and so forth. In such an example of open structures, the large fabrics can be utilized to protect the structure from strong winds, dust, pollution, rain and so forth. For example, by "large" is meant in excess of 20 m², more optionally in excess of 50 m², and yet more optionally in excess of 100 m². Furthermore, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can be disposed on the large fabrics and can be used to harness energy associated with sunlight incident on the structure, to at least partially meet the power requirements of the structure. It will be appreciated that implementing the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 with such standalone structures, specifically on remote structures, enables a reduction in the requirements of electrical connection (using wiring) to be provided to the structure, such as, from a power station. Furthermore, the structures can be provided with a self-replenishing source of clean (or renewable) energy that can meet at least partially, the power requirements of the structure and consequently enable a reduction of the load on the power station supplying power to the structure.

Optionally, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can be implemented in a remote environment such as a farm . For example, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can be electrically connected to a pump operable to provide water for irrigating the farm . In such an example, a portion (such as, in a range of 10% to 50%) of a fabric comprising the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can be buried beneath a layer of soil (or compost) on the farm and a remainder of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can be exposed to direct sunlight. Furthermore, sunlight incident on the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can be harnessed to generate electrical energy for operating the pump and the portion of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 buried beneath the layer of soil functions as an anchor to maintain the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 in an intended position thereof. It will be appreciated that a majority surface area of a farm is constituted by crops grown on the farm. In such an instance, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can be coupled to stems of adjacent crops, such that sunlight incident on the farm can be harnessed by the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 while not obstructing the sunlight incident on the crops. Optionally, the fabric layer of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 comprises a material such as a piezoelectric material or black phosphorous nanomaterial, such that a movement of the crops in the farm due to wind blowing along the crops can be additionally harnessed as electrical energy. More optionally, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 can be electrically connected with a camera (such as an infrared camera), a microphone and so forth. Such a camera, microphone and so forth enables remote surveillance of the farm without necessitating overt arrangement of components on the farm (such as wiring) that can hamper the remote surveillance of the farm. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 19, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented on a window blind 1 900 . In such an example, the window blind 1 900 provides shade from sunlight to people and goods, while the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is operable to harness electrical energy associated with sunlight incident on the window blind 1 900 . Optionally, as shown in FIG. 20, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented on a retractable roof cover 2000 . In such an example, the retractable roof cover 2000 provides protection from sunlight, wind, rain, dust and pollutants to people and goods under the retractable roof cover 2000, while the device 1 00 is operable to harness electrical energy associated with sunlight incident on the retractable roof cover 2000.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 21, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented on an awning for a building 21 00 . To demonstrate this embodiment an awning for a building 21 00 including the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 was fabricated. The awning for a building 21 00 comprises a series of six organic photovoltaic devices 1 06 , each of size 1800 mm in length and 500 mm in width, a fabric layer 1 02 , a fabric adhesive layer 1 04 and a cylindrical tube into which the awning for a building 21 00 may be rolled when not in use. The fabric layer 1 02 comprises a layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) disposed between two layers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The fabric layer 1 02 is grey in colour, of width 4150 mm and length 2300 mm, with total thickness of 0.5 mm and grammage of 500 g/m². The series of six organic photovoltaic devices 1 06 are disposed on the fabric layer 1 02 using the fabric adhesive layer 1 04. The fabric adhesive layer 1 04 comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) of 3M™ 468. The cylindrical tube has radius of 35 mm. The awning for a building 21 00 may be stored while rolled to a radius of curvature of 35 mm or less, or while unrolled may receive sunlight to power electronic components, such as a lighting arrangement (such as an arrangement of LEDs), a speaker, a sensor, a display, tracking device, a cooling fan and so forth.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 22, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented in an awning for a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle 2200. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 23, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is implemented in an awning for a container 2300. In such examples, the awning 21 00 , 2200, 2300 provides shade from sunlight, wind, rain, dust and pollutants to people and goods under the awning 21 00, 2200, 2300 while the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is operable to harness electrical energy associated with sunlight incident on the awning 21 00 , 2200 , 2300. Advantageously, as aforementioned, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be thin and may be rolled to a low radius of curvature. These properties enable a larger area of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 to be rolled into the same volume than would be possible for alternative photovoltaic devices. This means that a roll of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 herein disclosed may generate relatively more energy than a roll of an alternative photovoltaic device of the same volume. Additionally, the aforementioned embodiments disclose how the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be lightweight. This property enables the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 to generate more energy than from a roll of an alternative photovoltaic device of the same volume, without any increase in weight. These properties enable the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 to be used advantageously as compared to other photovoltaic devices in multiple applications where space and/or weight are a concern, for example, in a window blind 1 900 , in a retractable roof cover 2000 or in an awning for a building 21 00 , a recreational vehicle 2200 or a container 2300. Furthermore, because the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 is more flexible than alternative photovoltaic devices, thereby enabling its use, for example, in a window blind 1 900 , in a retractable roof cover 2000 or in an awning for a building 21 00, a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle 2200 , or a container 2300 , it may flex more easily with movement from the wind and/or vibrations from passing vehicles, enabling more rugged devices that operate with longer lifetime than for equivalent devices that include alternative photovoltaic devices. Furthermore, the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 may be manufactured in different colours, such as red, blue, purple, green and grey, which enables a window blind 1 900, retractable roof cover 2000 or an awning for a building 21 00 , recreational vehicle 2200, or container 2300 to incorporate colourful designs that would not be possible with alternative photovoltaic devices. Optionally, an awning for a vehicle, such as a recreation vehicle 2200 may receive sunlight to power electronic components, such as a lighting arrangement (such as an arrangement of LEDs), a speaker, a sensor, a display, tracking device, a cooling fan and so forth, while also providing shelter from sunlight, wind, rain, dust and pollutants. Optionally, an awning for a vehicle, such as a recreation vehicle 2200 may be applied to an electric vehicle, such as an electric recreational vehicle, and may optionally be used to charge the battery of the electric vehicle, such as an electric recreational vehicle.

It will be appreciated that the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 implemented on the backpack 800, the T-shirt 900 , the sailcloth 1 000, the tarpaulin, cover or canopy 1 1 00, the carport 1 200 , the bicycle port, the tent, marquis or shelter 1 400, the parasol, the greenhouse 1 500, the floating structure 1 600 , the blimp or airship 1 700 , the drone, the window blind 1 900 , the retractable roof cover 2000, the awning for a building 21 00 , the awning for a recreational vehicle 2200 and the awning for a container 2300 may be utilised for various operations, for example (as a charger) for charging portable electrical appliances. Additionally, the mobile charging apparatus 1 800 may be used for directly charging portable electrical appliances, such as cell-phones, tablets, and the like. Moreover, the sailcloth 1 000 may be used as a source of electrical energy to a battery, which in turn powers an engine (i.e. rotor or propeller) of a boat or a ship. Furthermore, the electrical vehicle battery charging apparatus 1 300 may be used as a major or subsidiary power source to charge a battery of a vehicle, as shown in FIG. 13.

Referring to FIG. 24, illustrated are steps of a method 2400 of (for) manufacturing a non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 that can be used in an unfolded, flexed, curved, rolled or folded state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the method 2400 relates to a manufacturing of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 of FIG. 1, explained herein above. At a step 2402, at least one organic photovoltaic device is provided. At a step 2404, a fabric adhesive layer is applied to one side of the at least one organic photovoltaic device. At a step 2406, a fabric layer is provided. At a step 2408, the at least one organic photovoltaic device is applied to the fabric layer using the fabric adhesive layer, such that the fabric adhesive layer is disposed between the fabric layer and the at least one organic photovoltaic device. Optionally, at a step 241 0 , a first barrier adhesive layer is applied over the at least one organic photovoltaic device. Optionally, at a step 241 2 , a first barrier layer is applied over the first barrier adhesive layer, such that the first barrier adhesive layer is disposed between the at least one organic photovoltaic device and the first barrier layer, and the at least one organic photovoltaic device is disposed between the fabric layer and the first barrier layer. Optionally, steps 241 0 and 241 2 may be excluded from method 2400.

The steps 2402 to 241 2 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein . For example, the method 2400 is not limited to the manufacturing of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 of FIG. 1, rather the method 2400 also encompasses manufacturing of other non-rigid photovoltaic devices, such as non-rigid photovoltaic devices 300 , 400 , 500, 600 and so forth.

Referring to FIG. 25, illustrated are steps of a further method 2500 of (for) manufacturing a non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 that can be used in an unfolded, flexed, curved, rolled or folded state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the method 2500 relates to a manufacturing of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 of FIG. 1, explained herein above. At a step 2502, at least one organic photovoltaic device is provided. At a step 2504, a first barrier adhesive layer is applied to a first side of the at least one organic photovoltaic device. At a step 2506 , a second barrier adhesive layer is applied to a second side of the at least one organic photovoltaic device. At a step 2508 , a first barrier layer is applied using the first barrier adhesive layer, such that the first barrier adhesive layer is disposed between the at least one organic photovoltaic device and the first barrier layer. At a step 251 0, a second barrier layer is applied using the second barrier adhesive layer, such that the second barrier adhesive layer is disposed between the at least one organic photovoltaic device and the second barrier layer. At a step 251 2 , a fabric adhesive layer is applied to the second barrier layer. At a step 251 4, a fabric layer is provided . At a step 251 6, the fabric layer is applied to the second barrier layer using the fabric adhesive layer, such that the fabric adhesive layer is disposed between the fabric layer and the second barrier layer.

The steps 2502 to 251 6 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. For example, the method 2500 is not limited to the manufacturing of the non-rigid photovoltaic device 1 00 of FIG. 1, rather the method 2500 also encompasses manufacturing of other non-rigid photovoltaic devices, such as non-rigid photovoltaic devices 300 , 400 , 500, 600 and so forth.

In an example, in the methods 2400 , 2500, the fabric layer is fabricated using at least one of the materials defined in Annex 1.

In another example, in the methods 2400 , 2500 , the fabric layer has a multilayer structure of at least two layers, wherein at least two layers of the multilayer structure are fabricated using at least one of the materials defined in Annex 2.

In yet another example, in the methods 2400, 2500 , the fabric adhesive layer is fabricated using at least one of the materials defined in Annex 3.

Optionally, in the methods 2400, 2500 , the fabrication of the at least one organic photovoltaic device employs steps of: providing a substrate; applying a first electrode, wherein the first electrode is disposed over the substrate; applying at least one organic photovoltaic layer, wherein the at least one organic photovoltaic layer is disposed over the first electrode; and applying a second electrode, wherein the second electrode is disposed over the at least one organic photovoltaic layer.

In yet another example, in the methods 2400, 2500 , the at least one organic photovoltaic layer comprises at least one donor and at least one acceptor. The donor material may be a polymer material, a small molecule material or a dendrimer material . The acceptor material may be a polymer material, a small molecule material or a dendrimer material . In one example, in the methods 2400, 2500, the at least one organic photovoltaic layer comprises at least one polymer donor, and at least one small molecule acceptor.

In one example, in the methods 2400, 2500, the at least one organic photovoltaic layer comprises at least one polymer donor, and at least one small molecule acceptor that is a fullerene material . In one example, in the methods 2400, 2500, the at least one organic photovoltaic layer comprises at least one polymer donor, and at least one small molecule acceptor that is a non-fullerene material .

In one example, in the methods 2400, 2500, the at least one organic photovoltaic layer comprises at least one polymer donor, and at least two small molecule acceptors. In one example, in the methods 2400 , 2500, the at least one organic photovoltaic layer comprises at least one polymer donor, and at least two small molecule acceptors, wherein of the at least two acceptors, at least one acceptor is a fullerene material, and at least one acceptor is a non-fullerene material .

Optionally, the methods 2400, 2500 employ at least one of: a continuous printing process, a continuous coating process and a vapour deposition process. Optionally, the methods 2400 , 2500, further comprise applying a frontsheet adhesive layer over the first barrier layer and applying a frontsheet layer over the frontsheet adhesive layer.

In an example, the fabric layer has a multilayer structure of at least two layers, wherein at least two layers of the multilayer structure are fabricated using at least one of the materials defined in Annex 2.

In another example, a given layer of the multilayer structure is disposed, in respect of an angle of its fabric weave, when viewed orthogonally to a plane of the given layer, at an angle in a range of 0° to 90°, optionally in a range of 15° to 45°, with respect to a successive layer of the multilayer structure. In yet another example, a first layer of the multilayer structure has a different characteristic than a second layer of the multilayer structure, wherein the characteristic comprises at least one of: a weave density of fibres, a flexibility.

In one example, at least one planar surface of the fabric layer is a reflective surface, wherein the reflective surface reflects more than 50% of incident light, optionally more than 80% of incident light. Beneficially, the light reflected from the fabric layer may pass through the non-rigid photovoltaic device, where it may be absorbed and converted to electrical energy, thereby resulting in an increase of efficiency of the non-rigid photovoltaic device.

In one example, the fabric layer is transparent, wherein the fabric layer transmits more than 25% of incident light, optionally more than 50% of incident light. Beneficially, the light transmitted through the fabric layer may be used for applications, after passage through the fabric layer. Optionally, light passing through the fabric layer may be used for general illumination of a covered or enclosed space, such as a building or room of a building, a courtyard or garden, a container or a vehicle to which the fabric layer is optically coupled. Optionally, light passing through the fabric layer may be used to provide light to plants in a greenhouse to which the fabric layer is optically coupled. Optionally, light passing through the fabric layer may be used to provide light to plants or animals in an area of water, such as a lake or reservoir to which the fabric layer is optically coupled.

In one example, the at least one organic photovoltaic device is associated with a power conversion efficiency in a range of 1% to 15%, optionally in a range of 2.5% to 7.5%, more optionally in a range of 4% to 6%. The present disclosure provides an improved implementation of photovoltaic technologies with products by way of employing organic photovoltaic solar cells. Typically, the non-rigid photovoltaic devices of the present disclosure use organic photovoltaic solar cells (i.e. disposed on a fabric layer, optionally a reflective fabric layer, more optionally a transparent fabric layer) which enhances an overall robustness and efficiency of the non-rigid photovoltaic devices. Furthermore, the non- rigid photovoltaic devices lack one or more prism layers (typically, disposed over the organic photovoltaic layer). This makes the non-rigid photovoltaic device lighter in weight and more flexible. Additionally, omission of a prism layer provides a simplified and lower cost non-rigid photovoltaic device. Therefore, products integrated with such non-rigid photovoltaic devices become non-rigid, lighter, thinner and inexpensive. Accordingly, such integrated products can be easily flexed, crumpled, folded and rolled. Also, an operational lifetime of such a product is enhanced with said integration.

Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non- exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. REFERENCES

Holliday et al., High-efficiency and air-stable P3HT-based polymer solar cells with a new non-fullerene acceptor, Volume 7, Article 11585 (2016). Wadsworth et al., Highly Efficient and Reproducible Nonfullerene Solar Cells from Hydrocarbon Solvents, ACS Energy Letters, Volume 2, Issue 7, Pages 1494-1500 (2017).

Li et al., Thermostable single-junction organic solar cells with a power conversion efficiency of 14.62%, Science Bulletin, Volume 63, Issue 6, Pages 340-342 (2018).

ANNEX 1 :

The fabric layer for the non-rigid photovoltaic device is fabricated using at least one of: polyethylene fibre, polypropylene fibre, polyvinyl chloride fibre, poly(lactic acid) fibre, polycaprolactone fibre, polyurethane fibre, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) fibre, poly(L-lactide) fibre, poly(ethylene-co- vinylacetate) fibre, poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibre, poly(ethylene naphthalate) fibre, Kevlar^® fibre, polyester fibre, polyamide fibre, metallic fibre, Dyneema® pre-stretched fibre, Viscose®, acrylic fibre, acetate, aramid, artificial silk, AuTx®, azlon, Ban-Lon®, basalt fibre, carbon fibres, carbon fibre reinforced polymer, CarbonCast®, Celliant®, cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, Cordura®, Crimplene®, Cuben Fiber®, cuprammonium rayon, Darlexx®, Dynel®, Elasterell®, Elastolefin®, ethylene vinyl acetate, Fibrolane®, Gold Flex®, Ingeo®, Innegra S®, Kevlar KM2®, Lastol®, Lurex®, Lyocell®, M5 fibre, microfiber, modacrylic fibre, Nomex®, Nylon, Nylon 4, Nylon 6, Nylon 66, olefin fibre pitch-based carbon fiber, polyphenylene sulphide fibre, polyacrylonitrile fibre, polybenzimidazole fibre, polydioxanone fibre, polyester fiberfill, polylactic acid, Qiana®, saran fibre, Sorona®, Spandex®, taklon, Technora®, Thinsulate®, Twaron®, ultra-high- molecular-weight polyethylene fibre, Tencel®, Vectran®, vinylon, Vinyon, Zylon®, abaca fibre, asbestos fiber, bagasse fibre, bamboo fibre, coir fibre, cotton, fique fibre, flax fibre, linen, hemp, ingeo fibre, jute fibre, kapok fibre, kenaf fibre, modal fibre, nettle fibre, paper, piha fibre, pine fibre, raffia fibre, ramie fibre, rayon, sisal fibre, wood fibre, alpaca fibre, angora fibre, byssus fibre, cashmere, catgut fibre, chitin fiber, chiengora fibre, denim, guanaco fibre, leather, llama fibre, mohair fibre, pashmina, qiviut fibre, rabbit fibre, silk, sinew fibre, spider silk, wool, velvet, vicuna fibre, yak fibre, glass fiber, boron fibre, calcium silicate fiber, ceramic fibre, magnesium silicate fibre, metallic fibre, micro-glass fibre, potassium titanate fibre, silica fibre, silicate carbide fibre, silica carbide fibre, fluoride fibre, carbon nanotube fibre. ANNEX 2:

For the non-rigid photovoltaic device, the fabric layer has a multilayer structure of at least two layers, wherein at least two layers of the multilayer structure are fabricated using at least one of: polyethylene fibre, polypropylene fibre, polyvinyl chloride fibre, poly(lactic acid) fibre, polycaprolactone fibre, polyurethane fibre, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) fibre, poly(L-lactide) fibre, poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate) fibre, poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibre, poly(ethylene naphthalate) fibre, polyvinyl chloride fibre, Kevlar^® fibre, polyester fibre, polyamide fibre, metallic fibre, Dyneema® pre-stretched fibre, Viscose®, acrylic fibre, acetate, aramid, artificial silk, AuTx®, azlon, Ban-Lon®, basalt fibre, carbon fibres, carbon fibre reinforced polymer, CarbonCast®, Celliant®, cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, Cordura®, Crimplene®, Cuben Fiber®, cuprammonium rayon, Darlexx®, Dynel®, Elasterell®, Elastolefin®, ethylene vinyl acetate, Fibrolane®, Gold Flex®, Ingeo®, Innegra S®, Kevlar KM2®, Lastol®, Lurex®, Lyocell®, M5 fibre, microfiber, modacrylic fibre, Nomex®, Nylon, Nylon 4, Nylon 6, Nylon 66, olefin fibre pitch-based carbon fiber, polyphenylene sulphide fibre, polyacrylonitrile fibre, polybenzimidazole fibre, polydioxanone fibre, polyester fiberfill, polylactic acid, Qiana®, saran fibre, Sorona®, Spandex®, taklon, Technora®, Thinsulate®, Twaron®, ultra-high- molecular-weight polyethylene fibre, Tencel®, Vectran®, vinylon, Vinyon, viscose, Zylon®, abaca fibre, asbestos fiber, bagasse fibre, bamboo fibre, coir fibre, cotton, fique fibre, flax fibre, linen, hemp, ingeo fibre, jute fibre, kapok fibre, kenaf fibre, modal fibre, nettle fibre, paper, piha fibre, pine fibre, raffia fibre, ramie fibre, rayon, sisal fibre, wood fibre, alpaca fibre, angora fibre, byssus fibre, cashmere, catgut fibre, chitin fiber, chiengora fibre, denim, guanaco fibre, leather, llama fibre, mohair fibre, pashmina, qiviut fibre, rabbit fibre, silk, sinew fibre, spider silk, wool, velvet, vicuna fibre, yak fibre, glass fiber, boron fibre, calcium silicate fiber, ceramic fibre, magnesium silicate fibre, micro-glass fibre, potassium titanate fibre, silica fibre, silicate carbide fibre, silica carbide fibre, fluoride fibre, carbon nanotube fibre.

ANNEX 3:

The fabric adhesive layer of non-rigid photovoltaic device is fabricated using at least one of: non-reactive adhesive, drying adhesive, pressure sensitive adhesive, 3M™ Adhesive 200, adhesive transfer tape, 3M™ adhesive transfer tape 467, 3M™ adhesive transfer tape 468, 3M™ adhesive transfer tape 9567, 3M™ adhesive transfer tape 9568, contact adhesive, hot adhesive, hot-melt adhesive, reactive adhesive, bioadhesive, animal-based adhesives, including collagen-based gum, albumin, casein, a plant-based adhesive including, natural resin, acacia gum, latex, wheatpaste, methyl cellulose, mucilage, resorcinol, starch, urea formaldehyde resin, synthetic adhesive, solvent-type adhesives, including dichloromethane, butanone, synthetic monomer glues, including acrylonitrile, cyanoacrylate, acrylic, resorcinol, and a synthetic polymer adhesives, including epoxy resin, epoxy putty, ethyl vinyl acetate, phenol formaldehyde resin, polyamide, polyester resin, CBC 4040, Concept® 116, polyethylene-based glue, polypropylene, polysulfide, polyurethane-based glue, polyvinyl acetate, aliphatic resin, white glue, Elmer's® glue, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride emulsion, polyvinypyrrolidone-based glue, rubber cement, silicone, silyl modified polymers, styrene acrylic copolymer, multi- component adhesives, including polyester resin - polyurethane resin adhesive, polyol - polyurethane resin adhesive, and acrylic polymer - polyurethane resin adhesive, pre-mixed adhesive, frozen adhesive, one part adhesive, heat curing adhesive, moisture curing adhesive, light curing adhesive and ultra-violet light curing adhesive.

Claims

1. A non-rigid photovoltaic device that can be used in an unfolded, flexed, curved, rolled or folded state, characterised in that the non-rigid photovoltaic device comprises:

a fabric layer;

a fabric adhesive layer;

at least one organic photovoltaic device;

wherein the at least one organic photovoltaic device comprises :

a substrate;

a first electrode;

at least one organic photovoltaic layer; and

a second electrode;

2. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of claim 1, characterised in that the non-rigid photovoltaic device further comprises:

a first barrier layer; and

a first barrier adhesive layer;

wherein the first barrier adhesive layer is disposed over of the at least one organic photovoltaic device, and the first barrier layer is disposed over the first barrier layer.

3. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of claim 2, characterised in that the non-rigid photovoltaic device further comprises:

a second barrier layer; and

a second barrier adhesive layer; wherein the second barrier layer and the second barrier adhesive layer are disposed between the fabric adhesive layer and the at least one organic photovoltaic device;

the second barrier layer is disposed over the fabric adhesive layer;

the second barrier adhesive layer is disposed over the second barrier layer; and

the at least one organic photovoltaic device is disposed over the second barrier adhesive layer.

4. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one organic photovoltaic layer comprises at least one donor and at least one acceptor; wherein the donor comprises a polymer; wherein the acceptor comprises a small molecule material; and wherein the at least one donor and at least one acceptor are arranged in a distributed heterojunction.

5. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of claim 4, wherein the at least one organic photovoltaic layer comprises at least one donor and at least one acceptor; wherein the donor comprises a polymer; wherein the acceptor comprises a non-fullerene material; and wherein the at least one donor and at least one acceptor are arranged in a distributed heterojunction.

6. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one organic photovoltaic layer comprises at least one donor and at least two acceptors; wherein the donor comprises a polymer; wherein each of the at least two acceptors comprises a small molecule material ; and wherein the at least one donor and at least two acceptors are arranged in a distributed heterojunction .

7. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of claim 6, wherein the at least one organic photovoltaic layer comprises at least one donor and at least two acceptors; wherein the donor comprises a polymer; wherein each of the at least two acceptors comprises a small molecule material; wherein at least one of the at least two acceptors comprises a non-fullerene material; wherein the at least one donor and at least two acceptors are arranged in a distributed heterojunction.

8. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the non-rigid photovoltaic device has a flexural rigidity in a range of 0.0001 Nm to 1 Nm, optionally in a range of 0.001 Nm to 0.1 Nm.

9. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of any one of the claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the non-rigid photovoltaic device is capable of being folded and unfolded at least 10000 times, while experiencing a loss of less than or equal to 20%, optionally less than or equal to 10% and more optionally less than or equal to 5% of its power conversion efficiency when converting incident solar radiation to corresponding electrical output power.

10. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of any one of the claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the non-rigid photovoltaic device is capable of being rolled up and unrolled at least 10000 times, while experiencing a loss of less than or equal to 20%, optionally less than or equal to 10% and more optionally less than or equal to 5% of its power conversion efficiency when converting incident solar radiation to corresponding electrical output power.

11. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of claim 10, characterised in that the non-rigid photovoltaic device can be rolled into a cylindrical structure having a radius of curvature of less than or equal to 100 mm, optionally less than or equal to 50 m m and more optionally less than or equal to 25 mm.

12. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the non-rigid photovoltaic device has an area density (grammage) of less than or equal to 2000 g/m², optionally less than or equal to 1000 g/m² and more optionally less than or equal to 500 g/m².

13. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the non-rigid photovoltaic device has a thickness in a range of 0.05 mm to 50 mm, optionally in a range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, and more optionally in a range of 0.3 mm to 3.0 mm.

14. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the non-rigid photovoltaic device further comprises at least one charge transport layer.

15. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of claim 2, characterised in that the non-rigid photovoltaic device further comprises:

a frontsheet layer; and

a frontsheet adhesive layer;

wherein the frontsheet adhesive layer is disposed over the first barrier layer, and the frontsheet layer is disposed over the frontsheet adhesive layer.

16. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fabric layer is fabricated using at least one material as defined in Annex 1.

17. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of any one of the claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the fabric layer has a multilayer structure of at least two layers, wherein at least two layers of the multilayer structure are fabricated using at least one of the materials defined in Annex 2.

18. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of claim 17, characterised in that a given layer of the multilayer structure is disposed, in respect of an angle of its fabric weave, when viewed orthogonally to a plane of the given layer, at an angle in a range of 0° to 90°, optionally in a range of 15° to 45°, with respect to a successive layer of the multilayer structure.

19. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of any one of the claims 17 or 18, characterised in that a first layer of the multilayer structure has a different characteristic than a second layer of the multilayer structure, wherein the characteristic comprises at least one of: a weave density of fibres, a flexibility.

20. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one planar surface of the fabric layer is a reflective surface, wherein the reflective surface reflects more than 50% of incident light, optionally more than 80% of incident light.

21. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of any one of the claims 1 to 19, characterised in that the fabric layer is at least partially transparent, wherein the fabric layer transmits more than 25% of incident light, optionally more than 50% of incident light.

22. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fabric adhesive layer is fabricated using at least one of the materials defined in Annex 3.

23. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the non-rigid photovoltaic device is implemented in one of: an item of luggage, an item of clothing, a sailcloth, a carport, a bicycle port, a tarpaulin, cover or canopy, a tent, marquis or shelter, a parasol, a greenhouse, a floating structure, an aerial vehicle, a drone, a mobile charging apparatus, a window blind, a retractable roof cover, and an awning attached to a building, vehicle or container.

24. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the non-rigid photovoltaic device is electrically coupled to a battery.

25. A non-rigid photovoltaic device of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one organic photovoltaic device is associated with a power conversion efficiency in a range of 1 to 15%, optionally in a range of 2.5 to 7.5%, more optionally in a range of 4 to 6%.

26. A method of (for) manufacturing a non-rigid photovoltaic device that can be used in an unfolded, flexed, curved, rolled or folded state, characterised in that the method comprises:

providing at least one organic photovoltaic device;

applying a fabric adhesive layer to a first side of the at least one organic photovoltaic device;

providing a fabric layer;

applying the fabric layer to the at least one organic photovoltaic device using the fabric adhesive layer, such that the fabric adhesive layer is disposed between the fabric layer and the at least one organic photovoltaic device;

wherein the at least one organic photovoltaic device comprises :

a substrate;

a first electrode;

at least one organic photovoltaic layer; a second electrode;

27. A method of claim 26, wherein the method further comprises:

applying a first barrier adhesive layer over the at least one organic photovoltaic device;

applying a first barrier layer over the first barrier adhesive layer, such that the first barrier adhesive layer is disposed between the at least one organic photovoltaic device and the first barrier layer, and the at least one organic photovoltaic device is disposed between the fabric layer and the first barrier layer.

28. A method of (for) manufacturing a non-rigid photovoltaic device that can be used in an unfolded, flexed, curved, rolled or folded state, characterised in that the method comprises:

providing at least one organic photovoltaic device;

applying a first barrier adhesive layer to a first side of the at least one organic photovoltaic device;

applying a second barrier adhesive layer to a second side of the at least one organic photovoltaic device;

applying a first barrier layer using the first barrier adhesive layer, such that the first barrier adhesive layer is disposed between the at least one organic photovoltaic device and the first barrier layer;

applying a second barrier layer using the second barrier adhesive layer, such that the second barrier adhesive layer is disposed between the at least one organic photovoltaic device and the second barrier layer;

applying a fabric adhesive layer to the second barrier layer;

providing a fabric layer; and applying the fabric layer to the second barrier layer using the fabric adhesive layer, such that the fabric adhesive layer is disposed between the fabric layer and the second barrier layer;

wherein the at least one organic photovoltaic device comprises:

a substrate;

a first electrode;

at least one organic photovoltaic layer;

a second electrode;

29. A method of any one of claims 27 to 28, characterised in that the method further comprises:

applying a frontsheet adhesive layer over the first barrier layer; and applying a frontsheet layer over the frontsheet adhesive layer.

30. A method of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the method comprises fabricating the at least one organic photovoltaic device by employing steps of:

providing a substrate;

applying a first electrode over the substrate;

applying at least one organic photovoltaic layer over the first electrode; and

applying a second electrode over the at least one organic photovoltaic layer.

31. A method of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one organic photovoltaic layer comprises at least one donor and at least one acceptor; wherein the at least one donor comprises a polymer and the at least one acceptor comprises a small molecule material; and wherein the at least one donor and the at least one acceptor are arranged in a distributed heterojunction.

32. A method of claim 31, characterised in that the at least one acceptor comprises a non-fullerene material.

33. A method of any one of the claims 26 to 30, characterised in that the at least one organic photovoltaic layer comprises at least one donor and at least two acceptors; wherein the donor comprises a polymer and each of the at least two acceptors comprise a small molecule material; and wherein the at least one donor and at the least two acceptors are arranged in a distributed heterojunction.

34. A method of claim 33, characterised in that at least one of the at least two acceptors comprise a non-fullerene material.

35. A method of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the method employs at least one of: a continuous printing process, a continuous coating process and a vapour deposition process.

36. A method of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fabric layer is fabricated using at least one of the materials defined in Annex 1.

37. A method of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fabric layer has a multilayer structure of at least two layers, wherein at least two layers of the multilayer structure are fabricated using at least one of the materials defined in Annex 2.

38. A method of claim 37, characterised in that a given layer of the multilayer structure is disposed, in respect of an angle of its fabric weave, when viewed orthogonally to a plane of the given layer, at an angle in a range of 0° to 90°, optionally in a range of 15° to 45°, with respect to a successive layer of the multilayer structure.

39. A method of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one planar surface of the fabric layer is a reflective surface, wherein the reflective surface reflects more than 50% of incident light, optionally more than 80% of incident light.

40. A method of any one of the claims 26 to 38, characterised in that the fabric layer is at least partially transparent, wherein the fabric layer transmits more than 25% of incident light, optionally more than 50% of incident light.

41. A method of any one of the claims 26 to 40, characterised in that the fabric adhesive layer is fabricated using at least one of the materials defined in Annex 3.

42. A method of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the method further comprises implementing the non-rigid photovoltaic device in one of: an item of luggage, an item of clothing, a sailcloth, a carport, a bicycle port, a tarpaulin, cover or canopy, a tent, marquis or shelter, a parasol, a greenhouse, a floating structure, an aerial vehicle, a drone, a mobile charging apparatus, a window blind, a retractable roof cover, and an awning attached to a building, vehicle or container.

43. A method of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the method further comprises electrically coupling the non-rigid photovoltaic device to a battery.

44. A method of any one of the claims 26 to 43, characterised in that the at least one organic photovoltaic device is associated with a power conversion efficiency in a range of 1 to 15%, optionally in a range of 2.5 to 7.5%, more optionally in a range of 4 to 6%.