A collaborative effort between the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and CubicPV has yielded a perovskite minimodule that has achieved a certified efficiency of 24.0%, marking a new U.S. record in this critical solar technology category. Announced on July 9, 2025, this breakthrough positions American research at the forefront of advanced photovoltaic development, with significant implications for market competitiveness and energy independence.

The minimodule, comprising multiple interconnected cells, saw its fabrication sequence distributed between the NREL facilities in Golden, Colorado, and CubicPV's operations in the Boston area. This distributed approach leveraged the distinct strengths of both organizations. Kai Zhu, a senior scientist at NREL's Chemistry and Nanoscience Center, emphasized the synergistic nature of the partnership, stating, "It's really the strength of both parties that creates the environment for record-setting. Both teams can achieve great results—but collaboration amplifies our impact and sets new device benchmarks."

CubicPV specializes in tandem solar devices, which integrate perovskite layers atop traditional silicon cells to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight and further reduce energy costs. NREL, conversely, focuses on advancing the manufacturing processes, durability, and overall efficiency of perovskite-enabled tandem structures. Unlike conventional silicon, perovskites are fabricated using low-temperature processes, typically below 200°C, involving ink-based printing or vacuum coating, and primarily utilize earth-abundant materials. While the technology has demonstrated high efficiency at a small scale, ongoing research is dedicated to improving durability and scaling efficiency for larger-area devices, prerequisites for widespread commercial adoption. Perovskites offer the strategic advantage of diversifying the solar supply chain and bolstering domestic photovoltaic module production.

Adam Lorenz, Chief Technology Officer of CubicPV, outlined the future trajectory for the technology, indicating a focus on validating durable performance under real-world outdoor conditions and scaling up to produce larger perovskite modules. "We are committed to leveraging U.S. technical leadership and collaborating with the top researchers in the world to drive cutting-edge perovskite science toward scalable, commercially viable, and durable products," Lorenz affirmed.

This new record surpasses the previous perovskite minimodule efficiency benchmark of 23.9%, which was published in May 2025. The official solar cell efficiency tables are updated bi-annually in the journal Progress in Photovoltaics, with the next iteration due near the end of the current year. This timeline provides NREL and CubicPV an opportunity to potentially further improve upon their current achievement.