Additive may strengthen organic solar cells

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Solar power continues to grow — accounting for most new capacity added to U.S. electric grids in 2024 — but the mid-1950s technology most often used to capture the sun’s energy comes with environmental costs. Manufacturing silicon solar panels is an energy-intensive process that requires toxic chemicals and creates recycling challenges. But lower-impact organic solar cells, made with less harmful materials, can break down too easily for large-scale deployment. According...