Phillips 66 helps set new efficiency mark for organic photovoltaic cells

Phillips 66, South China University of Technology (SCUT), and Solarmer Energy Inc. have successfully set a new world record in power conversion efficiency for polymer-based organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. The 9.31% efficiency was certified by the Newport Technology & Application Center's Photovoltaic Lab in Long Beach, Calif. A release publicizing the achievement said OPV is lightweight, has a better performance in low light and is easier to manufacture — making it a potentially cost-effective renewable energy technology on par with current conventional energy technologies. “The breakthrough in efficiency offers a good opportunity for the commercialization of the organic photovoltaic technology,” said Dr. Byron Johnson, manager of sustainability technologies at Phillips 66. “This marks an important milestone for the industry and has the potential to deliver truly low-cost energy for the world.”