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

July 27, 2010
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

February 5, 2026
The 26GW Australian Renewable Energy Hub (AREH) in Western Australia has secured AU$21 million (US$14.71 million) in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to advance large-scale hydrogen production capabilities that will support green iron manufacturing in the Pilbara region.
February 4, 2026
Industry leaders warn that hybridising PV with batteries is now essential to secure revenue, manage volatility, and maintain investor value.
February 4, 2026
In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, European energy has gone from an overreliance on Russia to an overreliance on China.
February 4, 2026
Optimising existing grid capacity could be the most viable solution to Europe’s long-standing grid capacity challenges.
February 4, 2026
Avangrid, a subsidiary of Spanish utility Iberdrola, has reached commercial operations at two PV power plants in the US state of Oregon.
February 4, 2026
Spanish renewable energy company Zelestra has finalised a power purchase agreement with Facebook’s parent company Meta for its 176MW Skull Creek Solar Plant in Texas.

Upcoming Events

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
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA