The development of extremely flexible photovoltaic (PV) devices for energy
harvesting and storage applications is currently receiving more attention by the
researchers from industries. The presently available energy storage devices are too
rigid and extensive and also not suitable for next-generation flexible electronics such as
silicon-based solar cells. Thus, the researchers have developed high-performance,
lightweight, conformable, bendable, thin, and flexible dependable devices. On the other
hand, these energy storage devices require to be functional under different mechanical
deformations, for example, bending, twisting, and even stretching. The nanomaterial
(TiO2, ZnO, Ag, etc.) coated fabrics also play a vital role in improving the efficiency of
the solar cell (devices) to a great extent. The current chapter provides information
about the development of nanomaterials-based flexible photovoltaic solar cell devices
for wearable textile industry applications. The fabricated carbon ink printed fabrics
such as polyester, cotton woven and nonwoven, and polyethylene terephthalate
nonwoven can be used as cathode and heating sources of PV devices. The organic and
flexible conductive substrate printed with carbon ink can be utilized as heating source
fabrics for wearable electronics devices. The flexible substrate-based photovoltaics
(PV) device is mostly used in the textile industries due to its flexibility, environmental
friendliness, low cost as well as easy processability. The flexible-wearable photovoltaic
devices pave the way to be used for enormous applications in various fields.
Keywords: Energy storage and harvesting, Efficiency, Flexible photovoltaic fabrics, Flexible electronics, High-performance, Lightweight, Low cost, Nanomaterials, Photovoltaic fibers, Photovoltaic fiber, Solar cell, Wearable textile industry applications.