Nanosolar’s flexible foil technology achieves 17.1% aperture efficiency in NREL tests

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory has officially certified an aperture efficiency of 17.1% for a solar cell fabricated using Nanosolar's non-vacuum, flexible foil technology. The tests were carried out on September 1 under standard test conditions of 1000W/m2 at 25°C.

“This achievement demonstrates that a non-vacuum CIGS deposition process can deliver world-class efficiency,” said Nanosolar CEO Geoff Tate. “At the same time, Nanosolar's unique roll-to-roll printing process delivers substantial manufacturing cost benefits.”

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

Read more about Nanosolar's efficiency results and more in PV-Tech's Chip Shots Blog.

Read Next

May 27, 2026
Australia could establish a viable polysilicon industry to address the global supply gap, with a hub requiring an AU$2.5-3.5bn investment.
May 26, 2026
ACME Solar has signed a 25-year PPA with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for 300MW/1,200MWh of ISTS-connected FDRE project. 
May 26, 2026
EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA), the subsidiary of Portuguese energy utility EDP, will build a 100MW solar PV project in the US for the Appalachian Power Company.
May 26, 2026
Spanish energy company Repsol has begun commercial operations at its 825MW Pinnington solar project in Texas. 
May 26, 2026
German developer Blue Elephant Energy has begun constructing a 268MW solar PV plant in Germany. Power from the project will be bought by Germany train operator, Deutsche Bahn.
May 26, 2026
GCL SI has signed a 1GW module supply agreement with Thailand’s Getz Energy, a subsidiary of utility GPSC.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
May 27, 2026
9am BST / 10am CEST
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 2, 2026
Johannesburg, South Africa
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 3, 2026
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 30, 2026
Sacramento, California