NREL validates Konarka’s 8.3% ‘Power Plastic’ efficiency record

November 29, 2010
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

A single-junction organic photovoltaic solar cell with a surface area of 1 square centimetre has been demonstrated by Konarka Technologies to have a 8.3% efficiency. The cell was certified by the National Energy Renewable Laboratory (NREL) as a new world record efficiency for an organic photovoltaic solar cell. Konarka believes the new record setting cell opens new large-scale commercial opportunities for its Power Plastic material.

“The progress Konarka has achieved this year with regard to solar cell efficiency is unprecedented, representing a significant milestone for the industry,” commented Howard Berke, chairman, CEO and co-founder of Konarka. “This unsurpassed NREL certification opens new doors for the commercial production of cost-effective, efficient electricity for numerous large scale applications.”

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

Just short of two years ago, Konarka had produced cells with 6% efficiency. The company is still developing a range of flexible PV substrates that target both BIPV and BAPV markets.  

Read Next

December 31, 2025
The Chinese PV industry has witnessed a wave of collective price hikes across the supply chain, from wafers, solar cells, to modules, with prices rising to varying degrees.
December 31, 2025
The government of Bahrain has laid the foundation stone for a 100MW solar power plant in the Al Dur area of the Southern Governorate. 
December 31, 2025
As the year comes to an end, we bring you a recap of the most-read stories throughout 2025, with the US taking most of the spotlight.
Sponsored
December 31, 2025
LONGi hosted a 'green tech for a shared future' event at COP30, which emphasised the importance of the integration of renewable technologies.
December 31, 2025
Premier Energies and Waaree have both won module supply orders, while KP Group has signed a MoU with the Government of Botswana. 
December 31, 2025
T1 Energy has completed its first sale of Section 45X production tax credits (PTCs) in a deal valued at US$160 million.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
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
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland