Solarmer Energy, Inc., a leading developer of organic photovoltaics, will present their new independently verified top-end efficiency of 6.31 percent at 2009's Organic Photovoltaics conference in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Yue Wu, Solarmer's director of research and development, will present these results and Solarmer's progress toward the manufacture of plastic solar cells. This accomplishment further reinforces the company's position as holder of the strongest and most diverse portfolio of polymers in the industry.

Solarmer, whose focus is on the development and manufacture of plastic solar cells that are translucent, flexible, and lightweight, is extremely pleased with these results.

"We're hoping to generate a lot of excitement with this recent break-through," says Solarmer president Woolas Hsieh. "It gives me confidence that we will have commercial products on the market in 2010."

The 6.31 percent efficiency of organic photovoltaics (OPV) was independently verified by the Dr. Zadoyan group in the Technology and Applications Center at Newport Corporation. This accomplishment is evidence of Solarmer closing in on their commercial grade module goals of 6.2% efficiency, three years half lifetime, and 100cm squared total active area.

In addition to their efficiency achievements, Dr. Wu will present Solarmer's progress in developing translucent plastic solar cells (capable of up to 45% transparency). Translucent plastic solar cells are relevant to applications such as solar windows, which will be capable of replacing standard windows. This technology is highly anticipated by developers of skyscrapers and houses alike that are trying to break the zero-energy barrier (zero energy buildings are autonomous from the energy grid – energy is produced on-site).