New polymers push Solarmer’s OPV efficiency to record 8.13%

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Organic photovoltaics (OPV) developer Solarmer Energy has once again reported record cell efficiencies, certified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at 8.13%. In December 2009, Solarmer reported a plastic OPV champion cell of 7.9%. The company noted that going beyond 8% cell efficiencies had been a psychological barrier for the OPV industry. The new record was achieved with new polymers developed that generated higher conversion rates.

Woolas Hsieh, president of Solarmer Energy said, “This confirms OPV technology is on the right course to become a cost-effective and competitive technology. We are very proud to be the first company to surpass this 8% barrier. We would like to expand our partnership with other companies, who have expertise in production technology, packaging, and other areas, to bring OPVs to the market. Our next target is to reach 10% efficiency by the end of 2011.”

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

PV-Tech reported last year that the company was targeting 10% efficiencies by the end of 2010 with its first full-scale manufacturing line operational in early 2011.

Read Next

June 2, 2026
PNM has filed a resource plan with the NMPRC seeking approval for 1.69GW of new generation and energy storage capacity.
June 2, 2026
Avaada Group has secured nearly US$950 million in debt financing across three utility-scale renewable energy projects. 
June 2, 2026
Svea Solar Utility has secured €185 million (USS$215.4 million) in finance to support the development of Sweden’s largest solar PV project.
June 2, 2026
US independent power producer (IPP) Vesper Energy has secured US$236 million in debt financing to back a 201MW solar PV project in Texas.
June 2, 2026
Portuguese energy utility EDP will spend €1.3 billion in France to build 1GW of solar, wind and energy storage assets over the next four years.
June 2, 2026
Maxwell Power has secured a US$750 million investment commitment from Fairtide Partners to finance battery storage and solar projects across its development pipeline. 

Upcoming Events

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
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
August 25, 2026
São Paulo, Brazil