Solution-based YBCO and buffer layers on deformation–textured Ni or Ni-based alloys have been developed as a low-cost coated conductor technology for high temperature superconducting wire. For short samples, Jc values of up to 2.1 MA/cm2 for 0.4 μm films were measured at 77 K, self-field. Using CeO2 buffered YSZ single crystals, Jc values of up to 5 MA/cm2 for 0.4 μm films and 2.5 MA/cm2 for 1.2 μm films can be obtained by such a solution-based YBCO process. Differences in the Jc performance of different metal substrate samples are possibly related to a-axial grain growth.