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

May 7, 2026
New customer additions and capacity of solar PV and BESS have all fallen quarter-on-quarter in the latest financial results from Sunrun.
May 7, 2026
US solar PV and energy storage system component manufacturer, Shoals, has opened a new manufacturing facility in Portland, Tennessee.
May 7, 2026
PV installations in Germany in Q1 2026 decreased by 6% year-on-year as demand for residential solar systems declined, according to BSW-Solar.
May 7, 2026
Israel-based solar inverter producer SolarEdge reduced its net losses and maintained a broadly steady margin in Q1 2026.
May 7, 2026
American Steel and Aluminum (ASA, which produces US-made solar foundations, has opened a new facility in Syracuse, New York.
May 7, 2026
The Irish renewable energy market has 'a very stable political landscape,' according to the BNRG Group's David Maguire.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
May 20, 2026
Porto, Portugal
Upcoming Webinars
May 27, 2026
9am BST / 10am CEST
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
August 25, 2026
São Paulo, Brazil