Solar cells made of conductive plastic distinguish organic photovoltaics (OPV): Not only are they cheaper and lighter, they’re also more pliable and versatile than their silicon predecessors. To promote OPV in Germany, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has launched a technology initiative that Merck is participating in. Merck, BASF, Bosch and Schott will invest a total of €300 million; the BMBF is providing €60 million in funding. The goal is to contribute to environmental protection in an era of climate change – based upon Merck’s product range for silicon photovoltaics.