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

July 10, 2026
The financing will support the Government of India’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSMGBY) initiative.
July 10, 2026
Metlen has acquired a 40% stake in a SPV owned by Tsakos Group to develop a 251.9MW solar-plus-storage project in central Greece.
July 10, 2026
Renewables developer Elawan Energy has closed a €760 million financing on a 1.3GW solar PV, wind and battery energy storage system (BESS) portfolio in Spain.
Premium
July 10, 2026
Speaking to PV Tech Premium, Renewabl CEO JP Cerda discusses how hourly matching is reshaping Europe’s corporate solar PPA market.
July 10, 2026
The price of PV modules in Europe has continued the upward trend in June 2026, except for the bifacial TOPCon segment.
July 10, 2026
The so-called “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) has cost the US US$68.2 billion in capital investments into clean energy projects, according to analysis from business advocacy group E2.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
April 20, 2027
Istanbul, Türkiye