SunPower lab produced solar cells used in 24.1% module efficiency record

June 27, 2016
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The module measured 11310.1 cm2 (aperture area) and had a power of 272.5 Watts. Image: SunPower

Major Photovoltaics Energy Provider (PVEP) SunPower has achieved has set a new PV module conversion efficiency record of 24.1%, using laboratory made IBC-based solar cells that has been verified by the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

“SunPower's X-Series panel was tested by our lab under standard test or reporting conditions,” said NREL scientist Keith Emery, manager of the PV cell and module performance laboratory. “The module measured 11310.1 cm2 (aperture area) and had a power of 272.5 Watts. We recorded 24.1 percent efficiency, which is a new record for silicon module efficiency.” 

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

SunPower’s previous production record module conversion efficiency of 22.8% using production solar cells had a larger aperture area of 1.57389 m2.

9 March 2027
Location To Be Confirmed
PV CellTech Global will gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. Join us in Q1 of 2027

Read Next

January 16, 2026
Indian solar PV manufacturer Vikram Solar is transitioning its module portfolio to the G12R format, led by the HYPERSOL G12R series. 
January 16, 2026
The Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) of the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has partially ruled against solar manufacturer Maxeon in several claims against Canadian Solar.
Premium
January 14, 2026
Analysis: As Eging PV comes under pressure to repay investment in an incomplete manufacturing facility, China’s solar manufacturers face an uphill struggle to put recent challenges behind them.
January 12, 2026
US metals firm Comstock has completed all the necessary permits to build a solar module recycling facility in Nevada.
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 29, 2025
Saatvik Green Energy has successfully commissioned and operationalised a 2GW EPE film manufacturing facility at its Ambala plant in Haryana.

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 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain