Researchers at the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Boston-based CubicPV have jointly developed a perovskite minimodule with a certified efficiency of 24.0%, marking the first US record in this category. They are now already aiming to exceed this record. 

They noted that this is an improvement over the 23.9% efficiency achieved by Microquanta for a perovskite minimodule, which was published in May 2025 in the Solar Cell Efficiency Tables (Version 66) in Progress in Photovoltaics (see China Solar PV News Snippets: AIKO Wins 1 GW Utility-Scale BC Module Bid & More).    

A statement announcing this efficiency by the NREL does not reveal any technical details, but shares that the minimodule consists of multiple interconnected cells, with several steps in the fabrication sequence done at each location.

While CubicPV brings its experience in tandem solar devices to the table, using perovskites over silicon to make a panel, the NREL focuses on advancing manufacturing, durability, and efficiency of perovskite-enabled tandems.

“It’s really the strength from 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,” said the Senior Scientist at NREL’s Chemistry and Nanoscience Center, Kau Zhu.

The team sees this record-setting efficiency at a small scale as pointing to the strong potential of perovskites that can be created at a lower temperature using ink-based or a vacuum coating process with primarily earth-abundant materials.

Work is now focused on making these devices more durable and efficient at larger sizes, which is key for commercial use. Success here could boost local manufacturing and reduce dependence on traditional solar supply chains, according to the team.