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

November 14, 2025
Spain-based developer Acciona Energia will add a gigawatt-hour-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) at its 238MWp Malgarida solar PV plant in Chile.
November 14, 2025
Lightsource bp has started construction on its 330MWp Valle 3 and 4 project in Wamba, Valladolid, in the Castilla y Leon region of Spain. 
November 14, 2025
Developer rPlus Energies has acquired two solar and storage projects with the total capacity of 900MW in Ada County, Idaho.
November 14, 2025
International solar manufacturer Canadian Solar has posted stable financials in Q3 2025, as its solar module and battery energy storage system (BESS) sales shift.
November 14, 2025
NSW has removed regulatory barriers that previously prevented owners of heritage-listed properties from installing rooftop solar.
November 13, 2025
QIC and EDP Renewables Australia have signed an agreement to develop a 400MWac solar-plus-storage project in Toowoomba, Queensland.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA