NREL validates Konarka’s 8.3% ‘Power Plastic’ efficiency record

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

A single-junction organic photovoltaic solar cell with a surface area of 1 square centimetre has been demonstrated by Konarka Technologies to have a 8.3% efficiency. The cell was certified by the National Energy Renewable Laboratory (NREL) as a new world record efficiency for an organic photovoltaic solar cell. Konarka believes the new record setting cell opens new large-scale commercial opportunities for its Power Plastic material.

“The progress Konarka has achieved this year with regard to solar cell efficiency is unprecedented, representing a significant milestone for the industry,” commented Howard Berke, chairman, CEO and co-founder of Konarka. “This unsurpassed NREL certification opens new doors for the commercial production of cost-effective, efficient electricity for numerous large scale applications.”

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Just short of two years ago, Konarka had produced cells with 6% efficiency. The company is still developing a range of flexible PV substrates that target both BIPV and BAPV markets.  

Read Next

August 24, 2026
Stronger downstream demand drove a surge in wafer prices last week, according to the latest figures from the Silicon Industry Branch of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association.
August 24, 2026
ES Foundry plans to transition from PERC to n-type technology while expanding US cell production amid evolving supply-chain challenges.
August 24, 2026
Australian investment firm Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners has advanced its plans to develop a polysilicon production facility in the Townsville area of Queensland, Australia.
August 24, 2026
Scatec has reported quarter-on-quarter growth in revenue and operational solar PV capacity in its latest financial results.
August 24, 2026
MNRE's ninth ALMM-II revision adds larger-format G12R N-type TOPCon cells from Emmvee, Waaree, Avaada and several others.
August 24, 2026
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made two updates on its foreign inverter ban, including a revision of the definition of a power inverter.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
February 2, 2027
London, UK
Solar Media Events
April 20, 2027
Istanbul, Türkiye