8.3 percent Efficiency of Organic Solar Cells

The advantage of organic photovoltaic solar cells now can be more used to the broader needs because its flexible, lighter and cheaper than inorganic solar cells with the achievement record efficiency of 8.3 percent by Konarka.

Although the record is still far compared with ordinary rigid photovoltaic solar cell that has reached a record 40 percent efficiency, but this record will be an important milestone for the industry. This will open new doors for the commercial production of cost-effective, efficient electricity to various large scale applications.

Previously for many years by the name of Power Plastic, Konarka has been producing organic based photovoltaic (OPV) solar cells and National Energy Renewable Laboratory (NREL) has announced a record-breaking efficiency of its organic-based solar cell.

Konarka's Power Plastic is an organic photovoltaic solar cells that consist of several thin layers, a printed photo-reactive layer, transparent electrode layer, substrate layer of protective plastic and packaging. OPV can be produced up to 60-in (152 cm) wide at almost any length, and the panels can be combined for greater output.

Currently Power Plastic has been applied by other companies for their products such as lanterns, backpacks, bags, and cafe umbrellas. Furthermore Power Plastic also will be applied to the window and curtain wall.