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

October 6, 2011
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

January 30, 2026
India Power Corporation Limited has partnered with Bhutan’s Green Energy Power Private Limited to develop a 70MWp solar power plant in Paro, Bhutan
January 30, 2026
 Scatec has reported strong fourth-quarter results with proportionate revenues increasing 25% year-on-year to NOK3,362 million (US$2.68 billion).
January 30, 2026
US-based PV recycling firm Solarcycle has begun operations at its Cedartown recycling facility in Georgia, US.
January 30, 2026
A 132MW solar PV project from French renewables company Voltalia has been selected by the Tunisian government for construction.
Premium
January 30, 2026
In an interview with PV Tech Premium, two UNSW researchers emphasise the need for enhanced UV testing for TOPCon solar cells.
January 29, 2026
Canadian renewables firm Westbridge Renewable Energy has received approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to build an up to 225MW solar-plus-storage plant in Alberta, Canada.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Upcoming Webinars
February 18, 2026
9am PST / 5pm GMT
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA