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

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.
May 25, 2026
Mining giant Fortescue has begun construction on the 690MW Turner River solar PV power plant in Western Australia's Pilbara region.

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