# Chinese breakthrough in organic solar cell efficiency > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chinese-breakthrough-in-organic-solar-cell-efficiency > Updated: 2026-10-25T19:07:14.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Researchers at the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have developed a new technique to improve the efficiency and stability of organic solar cells. The method utilizes an ultra-thin indium chloride interlayer to create a molecular locking strategy, forming a coordination network that prevents layers from separating under heat and light exposure. In laboratory testing, small-area cells reached a power conversion efficiency of 20.4%. When scaled to a larger 15.6 cm² module, the technology achieved a record active-area efficiency of 18.8%. The modules demonstrated durability by retaining over 85% of their initial efficiency after 2,000 hours of continuous operation at 25 °C. These carbon-based cells offer advantages over traditional silicon panels, including being lighter, more flexible, and potentially transparent, making them suitable for integration into buildings, vehicles, and wearable technology. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-25: Chinese researchers achieve breakthrough in organic solar cell efficiency Chinese scientists have developed a new technique using indium chloride to boost the efficiency and durability of flexible organic solar cells, reaching up to 20.4 percent efficiency in lab settings. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chinese-researchers-achieve-breakthrough-in-organic-solar-cell-efficiency ### 2026-10-23: Chinese Academy of Sciences achieves record efficiency in organic solar cells Chinese researchers have achieved record efficiency in organic solar cells, reaching 18.8% on large-area modules using a new molecular locking technique to improve stability and scalability. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chinese-academy-of-sciences-achieves-record-efficiency-in-organic-solar-cells --- Cite as: Chinese breakthrough in organic solar cell efficiency. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chinese-breakthrough-in-organic-solar-cell-efficiency