The 82.8W module represents a 12.2 percent aperture efficiency.

LOVELAND, Colo.--Abound Solar, a leading manufacturer of next-generation thin-film cadmium telluride photovoltaic modules, today announced the production of 82.8W modules at their Longmont, Colorado, USA 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).

"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."

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, Colorado factory is currently underway, with further expansion efforts within the U.S. coming in 2013.

About Abound Solar

Abound Solar is a leading manufacturer of next-generation, cadmium telluride thin-film photovoltaic modules. Abound Solar provides a made-in-the-U.S.A. product designed to meet the unique requirements of commercial- and utility-scale installations. Abound Solar uses a robust, commercial-scale, continuous manufacturing process that results in low-cost, high-quality modules that provide superior performance in high-heat and diffuse light conditions. For additional information, visit http://www.abound.com.