DuPont Photovoltaic SolutionsIncreaSIng the effIcIency anD lIfetIme of Solar moDuleS
SustainabilitySustainability
The need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels is becoming increasingly evident – it’s a global challenge that is driving demand for more sustainable energy solutions.
Sustainability
Delivering on the promise of a low-carbon economy means fostering renewable petroleum alternatives. Whether the motivation is increased demand on oil reserves, energy security, or climate change, the world needs to use energy smarter and to generate more of it from renewable sources.
We understand the science of cost-effective solar energy. And we offer some of the world’s most innovative materials solutions available today for photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules. With more than 25 years experience in PV materials development, applications know-how, manufacturing expertise and global market access, we can help you lower the cost per installed watt of PV energy, increase the efficiency and longevity of solar modules, and meet green manufacturing guidelines – all while increasing your productivity and bottom line.
energy for a thriving world
At DuPont we believe in the power of science to dramatically improve people’s lives – and protect the planet we all share. Our science is helping transform the sun’s potential into clean, efficient, sustainable energy the world needs to thrive.
There are nearly 6.8 billion people living on this planet. By some estimates, global population is on track to reach more than 9 billion people by 2050. This rate of population growth is unprecedented, and will change the way people live over the next half century.
harnessing today‘s innovative solutions
Our broad and growing portfolio of solutions is key to both crystalline silicon and thin film solar cell and module manufacturing. Our products are designed to work together to help increase the number of watts per manufacturing dollar, increase the efficiency and lifetime of solar modules, and to help meet green manufacturing guidelines.
Durability
PV modules that last 25 years and more.
Quality and durability
DuPont materials have been successfully in use for more than twenty five years, ensuring durability for module makers who can guarantee reliable production of electricity for system owners.
Weather-resistant backsheet materials
DuPont™ Tedlar® PVF film is the industry standard for UV- and weather-resistant backsheets. Used for more than twenty five years in the majority of backsheets for photovoltaic modules with crystalline silicon.Tedlar® film provides the basis for the most popular backsheet construction (TPT™ Laminate, where T stands for Tedlar®).
Long-term protection UV resistance Resistance to weathering Moisture barrier Mechanical properties Electrical insulation Strength & durability
Increased power Improved efficiency through higher reflectivity
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thermoplastic polyester resinsDuPont™ Rynite® polyester resins are specifically designed for production and assembly of rigid framing, fixations, junction boxes and connectors.
Simplify module handling and transport through function integrationEnable simpler field installationEase of use on flat and curved roofs
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encapsulation materials
DuPont™ Elvax® EVA resins are UL -recognised, quality-consistent resins for cushioning individual cells from impact. They enable sunlight transmission, helping to improve productivity.
High clarity and most widely used for encapsulant sheetsSoft and shock absorbingProven durability over decades of use
DuPont™ PV5300 ionomer encapsulant sheets are designed for PV modules which are more sensitive to moisture and for architectural applications that require exceptional strength.
High clarityHigh strength and stiffnessLow moisture absorption
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Materials for the highest module efficiency.
Performance and efficiency
DuPont photovoltaic materials allow for higher cell and module efficiency by reducing loss of sunlight and minimizing contact resistivity.
thin film substratesDuPont™ Kapton® polyimide films are engineered to provide high performance and long-term reliablility to a-Si and CIGS photovoltaic substrates.
Roll-to-roll processingLow CTE to minimize stressLow moisture uptake Excellent electrical properties and increased voltage enduranceCeramic filled versions to increase corona resistance and thermal conductivity
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Efficiency
Pet/polyester filmsDuPont Teijin Films™ makes value-adding, cost-effective, UV-stabilized polyester films.
Mylar®, Melinex® and Teijin™Tetoron® PET filmsFor backsheet laminationsEnhanced hydrolysis performanceDielectric propertiesHigh reflectanceEnhanced UV protectionDurability
Teonex® PEN and Melinex® ST polyester filmsFor thin film deposition substrates in roll-to-roll processing and frontsheetsHigh temperature dimensional stabilityExcellent clarityUV protectionBarrier properties
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Photovoltaic metallizationsDuPont™ Solamet® metallizations pastes raise the bar for PV cell metallizations and improving cell efficiency.
Crystalline siliconLead and cadmium-free options for more eco-conscious manufacturingGreater conversion efficiency and productivity with PV modulesCost-effective production through more efficient use of materials and higher yieldsInnovative materials for new cell designs (Metal Wrap Through, Local Back Surface Field, n-type, alternative deposition technologies)
Thin film technologiesDevelopments for low contact/gridline resistanceFine line patterning down to 80 micronsHigh compatibility and adhesion on transparent conductive oxides
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efficiency
frontsheet materialsLess fragile than glass, DuPont™ Teflon® films deliver increased power output with lightweight, durable materials.
High light transmittanceIncreased power outputLightweight and flexibleExcellent UV resistanceOutstanding weatherabilityExceptional mechanical stability
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Poly-silicon manufacturingDuPont™ Niapure® and DuPont™ Niapure® Select sodium metal enable low cost manufacturing processes of PV-grade silicon.
Excellent purity that increases yieldReliable supplyPowerful reducing agent critical to alternativePoly-silicon processes, such as Virassa and SRIIntegrated product safety management
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Cost Reduction
encapsulantsheets
DuPont encapsulant sheets deliver long-term protection for the most sensitive portions of photovoltaic modules.
DuPont™ PV5200 PVB encapsulant sheetsBased on DuPont™ Butacite®
70 years of glass adhesion history brought to PVVery familiar to glass laminatorsOffers a quick, reliable solution for modules needing to pass safety glass codesAlso available in white, allowing dual function as encapsulant and back reflector
DuPont™ PV5300 ionomer encapsulant sheets
Based on DuPont™ SentryGlas®
Delivers the industry’s most advanced clear structural sheetProven glass adhesionHelps meet the world’s toughest building codesSuperior lamination performance
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Helping to reduce total system costs.
total system cost reduction
DuPont provides quality materials, design solutions, manufacturing processes and components to help lower the cost per PV kWh.
cost reduction
thermoplastic polyester resins
DuPont™ Rynite® PET thermoplastic polyester resins increase safety, eliminate corrosion and provide long-lasting performance for junction boxes and structural components in harsh environments.
Junction boxesHigh temperature performanceDelivers long-lasting performance in harsh environmentsPortfolio of solutions recognised by UL (Underwriters Laboratory)
Structural componentsDesign flexibility for ease of assembly Improved installation costEliminates outdoor corrosion issuesLow dimensional change in the environmentWeight reduction
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high performance seals and parts
DuPont science is bringing products to both crystalline silicon and thin film solar cell and module manufacturing to help reach better yield, higher throughput and equipment uptime.
DuPont™ Kalrez® perfluoroelastomer parts Resist harsh chemicals and high temperatures for exceptional equipment sealing performance.
DuPont™ Zalak® high performance seals A cost-effective alternative in select applications where traditional sealing materials are insufficient.
DuPont™ Vespel® partsThe low wear and friction performance of DuPont™ Vespel® parts and shapes makes it a favorite choice for reduced scratches in glass and wafer.
DuPont™ Vespel® end-effectors This ultra-high modulus composite product line also offers low deflection with vibration dampening, allowing faster and more precise handling of the glass and wafer substrate.
New Applications
Innovation, design and aesthetics offer new possibilities.
enabling new applications
DuPont innovative products and engineering solutions enable development of new PV technologies, offering lightweight, higher efficiency, lower cost and greater design flexibility for ease of assembly.
new applications
Ionomer encapsulant sheetsDuPont™ PV5300 ionomer encapsulant sheets are designed for PV modules which are more sensitive to moisture and for architectural applications that require exceptional strength.
High clarityHigh strength and stiffnessLow moisture absorption
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teflon® feP/etfe filmsDuPont™ Teflon® FEP/ETFE films for lightweight and flexible modules, as well as roll-to-roll manufacturing processes.
Highest transmissive frontsheet used in PV todayEffective protection against moistureSuperior adhesion to EVAHarder to soil and easier to cleanSuitable for flexible modules on flat and curved roof topsUnbreakableCorners will not chipSafer and easier to install than glass
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Building-integrated photovoltaicsDuPont™ Gevity® BIPV* – new, patented photovoltaic system, specially designed for sloped roof integration. A ready-to-install kit consisting of a photovoltaic laminate attached within a frame of DuPont™ Rynite® composite material, moulded in a single piece, galvanised steel bushings and stainless steel attachments, inverter and connexion boxes.
Quick and easy to installOptimum water tightnessHigh surface efficiencyGood module ventilationReliable, high-performance materialsResistant to UV, heat, wind and snow loadsCorrosion resistantHarmonious look and integrationCompatible with almost every type of roof and tile
*) Currently available in France
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nylon resinsDuPont™ Zytel® nylon resins – for robust and aesthetic glass reinforced inverter housing.
High mechanical strengthExcellent balance of stiffness/toughnessGood high temperature performanceGood electrical and flammability propertiesGood abrasion and chemical resistance
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DuraBIlIty
effIcIency
coSt reDuctIon
neW aPPlIcatIonSSciencephotovoltaics.dupont.com
We collaborate closely with many players in the PV industry to develop technology partnerships for the creation of solar modules that run more efficiently, last longer and make solar energy a more viable alternative for everyone.
Partnership for today and tomorrow
DuPont materials have been at the forefront of innovation for more than two decades, setting new PV industry standards around the world. We continue to invest in both capacity expansions to meet the need for new innovative solutions to support the explosive industry growth and the development of technologies to address different applications within the industry.
ACCELERATING GRID PARITY ACHIEVEMENT
As a leading supplier of materials for the emerging thin film market, we are also leading the discovery of new solutions for amorphous silicon (a-Si) and CIGS thin films. We are also developing new, innovative materials to enable concentrated photovoltaics (CPV). With significant investments in product development and manufacturing capacity, DuPont is well positioned to help the industry achieve grid parity faster with new technologies, hopefully within the end of this decade in the Western hemisphere.
Science
Modules that last 25 years and more.DuPont materials ensure durability for module makers who can guarantee reliable production of electricity for system owners.
Highest cell and module performance.DuPont materials improve cell and module efficiency by reducing loss of sunlight and minimizing contact resistivity.
Lower total system costs.DuPont provides quality materials, design solutions, manufacturing processes and components to help reduce the cost per PV kWh.
Innovations in technology, design and aesthetics.DuPont offers innovative solutions in new PV technologies, enabling lightweight, higher efficiency, lower cost and highly aesthetic architectural integration.
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Contactsphotovoltaics.dupont.com
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Copyright © 2010 DuPont. All rights reserved. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™ and all products denoted with ® or ™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates. Melinex® and Mylar® are registered trademarks of DuPont Teijin Films™ U.S. Limited Partnership. Teijin® is a registered trademark of Teijin Limited and is licensed to DuPont Teijin Films™, U.S. Limited Partnership. Teonex® is a registered trademark of Teijin DuPont Films™, Japan Limited and is licensed to DuPont Teijin Films™, U.S. Limited Partnership.
DuPont is a science 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, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.
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