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

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

May 28, 2026
India added around 14.2GW of solar energy capacity in the first quarter of 2026, a roughly 95% increase from the previous quarter, according to Indian research firm JMK Research.
May 28, 2026
Research from Solargis suggests current industry practice for calculating impacts of degradation on inverters may be wrong by more than 3%.
May 28, 2026
NextEnergy Capital has secured US$974 million towards its NextPower V solar and energy storage investment vehicle.
May 28, 2026
BrightNight has secured financing for its 120MW Frontier solar PV project, which is currently under development in the US state of Kentucky.
May 28, 2026
A new report from Greenpeace Australia has warned that the rapid expansion of AI data centres across Australia is set to slow the country's renewable energy transition rather than accelerate it.
May 27, 2026
PowerBridge Networks has acquired more than 50 Enphase Energy patents tied to distributed energy, inverter and grid infrastructure technologies.

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