Abound Solar, a leading manufacturer of next-generation thin-film cadmium telluride photovoltaic modules, announced the production of 82.8W modules at their Longmont, CO factory. The 82.8W module represents a 12.2 percent aperture efficiency and is being verified by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL).

The first 82W module was produced in early January 2012 on existing production equipment, and several hundred modules reaching that wattage have been manufactured thus far. Abound Solar expects to begin mass production of 82W modules in the second half of 2012 and 85W modules in the first half of 2013.

“We are very proud of this achievement and I think it underscores the tremendous capabilities of CdTe thin-film technology as a leading solution for competitive, reliable solar power made in the U.S.A.,” said Craig Witsoe, president and CEO of Abound Solar. “Abound’s R&D team continues to innovate, and we expect to continue increasing our module efficiency and performance. We believe thin-film will soon outpace other forms of PV in regards to cost-efficiency.”

Abound Solar produced its one-millionth module in December 2011. Expansion of the Longmont, CO factory is currently underway, with further expansion efforts within the U.S. coming in 2013.