Precise Characterization of Performance Metrics of Organic Solar Cells

Organic/carbon-based semiconductors and organometal halide perovskites such as CH3NH3PbIxCl3-x have been extensively pursued as potential active materials for cost-effective, solution-processable, and high-performance photovoltaic devices. Many research groups and researchers with different backgrounds are currently involved in this field, and the record power conversion efficiencies have increased dramatically in recent years. Accurately determining the figure of merit is essential to compare the absolute results and practical applications of these photovoltaic materials. Herein, the critical factors affecting the efficiency determination and some specific examples of solar cells employing representative organic photovoltaic materials with different bandgaps are summarized. Moreover, general methods and checklists for the efficiency determination of organic (tandem) solar cells and perovskite solar cells are presented. Future prospects in efficiency characterizations of the emerging solar cells are also discussed to aid researchers in developing a best practice.