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.

16 June 2026
Napa, USA
PV Tech has been running PV ModuleTech Conferences since 2017. PV ModuleTech USA, on 16-17 June 2026, will be our fifth PV ModulelTech conference dedicated to the U.S. utility scale solar sector. The event will gather the key stakeholders from solar developers, solar asset owners and investors, PV manufacturing, policy-making and and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out the PV module supply channels to the U.S. out to 2028 and beyond.
13 October 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
PV Tech has been running an annual PV CellTech Conference since 2016. PV CellTech USA, on 13-14 October 2026 is our third PV CellTech conference dedicated to the U.S. manufacturing sector. The events in 2023, 2024 and 2025 were a sell out success and 2026 will once again 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. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing in the U.S. out to 2030 and beyond.
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

March 30, 2026
Indian solar manufacturer Premier Energies has commissioned a 5.6GW solar module manufacturing facility in Seetharampur, Telangana.
March 30, 2026
The scope of supply chain diligence for PV projects in the US seeking tax credits has expanded, requiring greater vigilance in procurement, writes Intertek CEA's Paul Wormser.
Premium
March 27, 2026
PV Tech Premium explores the challenges of solar panel recycling, the evolving policy landscape and opportunities for recyclers in the US.
March 27, 2026
Australia's DCCEEW has launched an approach-to-market seeking an administrator to deliver the National Solar Panel Recycling Pilot.
March 26, 2026
More than 70% of global solar manufacturing facilities exhibited “major” or “critical” defects in 2025, according to a new report from Intertek CEA.
March 25, 2026
TCL Zhonghuan has reported a 2025 loss alongside a raft of executive changes as its operating revenue rose slightly year-on-year.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
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