DuPont today announced
the commercialization of two new families of photovoltaic encapsulant sheets
that are expected to improve durability and efficiency of photovoltaic modules.
The new DuPont™ PV5300 Series and DuPont™ PV5200 Series deliver
long-term protection for the most sensitive part of photovoltaic modules - the
solar cells. They contribute to longer life and reduced cost-per-watt, helping
system manufacturers deliver more reliable and cost-effective solar power. On
a global basis, DuPont expects to nearly triple annual sales from its portfolio
of photovoltaic materials to more than $1 billion by 2012.
"With these new introductions, DuPont science is helping enable the
faster spread of solar power," said William F. Weber, vice president and
general manager -- DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers. "These
new encapsulant materials contribute to keeping cost-per-watt low and reducing
the total cost of ownership for solar power. We expect growth for encapsulant
materials like these of more than 25 percent per year in the next five years,
due to the anticipated strong growth in solar module installations globally."
DuPont™ PV5300 Series sheets are five times tougher and 100 times stiffer
than materials typically used as encapsulants. Their structural properties make
possible new module designs such as building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV)
tiles that can be installed on building roofs. Companies like SYSTEM Photonics
S.p.A of Italy are adopting DuPont™ PV5300 for architecturally appealing
built-in rooftop photovoltaic power generation.
The company also launched DuPont™ PV5200 Series sheets which are designed
to meet the needs of thin-film solar power generation, a fast-growing segment
of the industry. They are based on polyvinyl butyral polymer technology and
offer high performance in physical processing. They enable faster, more efficient
module production and longer service life.
DuPont is a leading material and technology supplier to the photovoltaic industry
with more than 25 years of experience in photovoltaic materials development
and manufacturing. DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions represents the broadest portfolio
in the solar energy industry, with more than 10 products critical to photovoltaic
production, designed to work together to help increase the efficiency and lifetime
for both crystalline silicon and thin film modules. Products include:
- DuPont™ PV Encapsulant Sheets: Ranging from soft to structural, clear
DuPont™ PV5200 and PV5300 Series encapsulant sheets offer proven safety
and laminating performance, and deliver long-term protection for the most
sensitive portions of photovoltaic modules.
- DuPont™ Elvax® EVA copolymer resins: cushion individual cells
from impact and enable the transmission of sunlight to the cells.
- DuPont™ Teflon® fluoropolymer films for front sheets and flexible
panels: offer mechanical strength and durability against cracking, flexibility
and nearly 100 percent transparency.
- DuPont™ Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoride films: deliver long-lasting
UV and weather-resistant back sheets.
- Mylar®, Melinex® and Teijin® Tetoron® PET films from DuPont
Teijin Films: provide value-adding, cost-effective film solutions for backsheet
laminates.
- DuPont™ Solamet® photovoltaic metallizations: increase the efficiency
and yield of solar cells.
- DuPont™ Rynite® PET thermoplastic resins: increase safety, eliminate
corrosion, and provide long-lasting performance for junction boxes and structural
components in harsh environments.
- DuPont™ Kapton® polyimide film for thin film substrates: provide
excellent electrical and thermal properties to thin film modules.
- Teonex® PEN and Melinex® ST polyester films from DuPont Teijin
Films: provide high-temperature dimensional stability, clarity and UV protection
for thin film deposition substrates and front sheets.
- Kalrez® perfluoroelastomer parts from DuPont Performance Elastomers:
provide excellent resistance to aggressive chemicals and high temperatures
to help reduce the risk of unplanned maintenance.
- DuPont™ Zonyl® and Capstone™ fluorosurfactants: provide
unrivaled wetting aids in semiconductor texturing, offering etch control,
reduced waste and improved cell efficiencies.
DuPont - one of the first companies to publicly establish environmental
goals 19 years ago - has broadened its sustainability commitments beyond
internal footprint reduction to include market-driven targets for both revenue
and research and development investment. The goals are tied directly to business
growth, specifically to the development of safer and environmentally improved
new products for key global markets.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont
puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better,
safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries,
DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including
agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.
The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™, Elvax®,
Teflon®, Tedlar®, Solamet®, Rynite®, Kapton®, Kalrez®,
Zonyl® and Capstone™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont
or its affiliates.
Mylar®, Melinex®, Teijin® Tetoron® and Teonex® are registered
trademarks of DuPont Teijin Films.
