DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions Increasing the efficiency and lifetime of solar modules
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.
Sust
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.
tainability Sustainability
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.
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.
Thermoplastic polyester resins DuPont™ Rynite® polyester resins are specifically designed for production and assembly of rigid framing, fixations, junction boxes and connectors.
• High clarity and most widely used for encapsulant sheets • Soft and shock absorbing • Proven durability over decades of use
Durab
• Simplify module handling and transport through function integration • Enable simpler field installation • Ease of use on flat and curved roofs
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 clarity • High strength and stiffness • Low moisture absorption
Durability
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®).
bility
Long-term protection • UV resistance • Resistance to weathering • Moisture barrier • Mechanical properties • Electrical insulation • Strength & durability Increased power • Improved efficiency through higher reflectivity
Frontsheet materials Less fragile than glass, DuPont™ Teflon® films deliver increased power output with lightweight, durable materials. • • • • • •
High light transmittance Increased power output Lightweight and flexible Excellent UV resistance Outstanding weatherability Exceptional mechanical stability
PET/polyester films
Thin film substrates
DuPont Teijin Films™ makes value-adding, costeffective, UV-stabilized polyester films.
DuPont™ Kapton® polyimide films are engineered to provide high performance and long-term reliablility to a-Si and CIGS photovoltaic substrates.
Mylar®, Melinex® and Teijin™Tetoron® PET films • For backsheet laminations • Enhanced hydrolysis performance • Dielectric properties • High reflectance • Enhanced UV protection • Durability Teonex® PEN and Melinex® ST polyester films • For thin film deposition substrates in roll-to-roll processing and frontsheets • High temperature dimensional stability • Excellent clarity • UV protection • Barrier properties
• • • •
Roll-to-roll processing Low CTE to minimize stress Low moisture uptake Excellent electrical properties and increased voltage endurance • Ceramic filled versions to increase corona resistance and thermal conductivity
Efficiency
Poly-silicon manufacturing DuPont™ Niapure® and DuPont™ Niapure® Select sodium metal enable low cost manufacturing processes of PV-grade silicon. • • • • •
Excellent purity that increases yield Reliable supply Powerful reducing agent critical to alternative Poly-silicon processes, such as Virassa and SRI Integrated product safety management
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.
Photovoltaic metallizations DuPont™ Solamet® metallizations pastes raise the bar for PV cell metallizations and improving cell efficiency. Crystalline silicon • Lead and cadmium-free options for more eco-conscious manufacturing • Greater conversion efficiency and productivity with PV modules • Cost-effective production through more efficient use of materials and higher yields • Innovative materials for new cell designs (Metal Wrap Through, Local Back Surface Field, n-type, alternative deposition technologies) Thin film technologies • Developments for low contact/gridline resistance • Fine line patterning down to 80 microns • High compatibility and adhesion on transparent conductive oxides
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 Red Cost Reduction
Encapsulant sheets
High performance seals and parts
Thermoplastic polyester resins
DuPont encapsulant sheets deliver long-term protection for the most sensitive portions of photovoltaic modules.
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™ Rynite® PET thermoplastic polyester resins increase safety, eliminate corrosion and provide long-lasting performance for junction boxes and structural components in harsh environments.
DuPont™ PV5200 PVB encapsulant sheets • Based on DuPont™ Butacite® • 70 years of glass adhesion history brought to PV • Very familiar to glass laminators • Offers a quick, reliable solution for modules needing to pass safety glass codes • Also available in white, allowing dual function as encapsulant and back reflector
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.
Junction boxes • High temperature performance • Delivers long-lasting performance in harsh environments • Portfolio of solutions recognised by UL (Underwriters Laboratory)
duction DuPont™ PV5300 ionomer encapsulant sheets • Based on DuPont™ SentryGlas® • Delivers the industry’s most advanced clear structural sheet • Proven glass adhesion • Helps meet the world’s toughest building codes • Superior lamination performance
DuPont™ Vespel parts The 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.
Structural components • Design flexibility for ease of assembly • Improved installation cost • Eliminates outdoor corrosion issues • Low dimensional change in the environment • Weight reduction
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.
Ionomer encapsulant sheets DuPont™ PV5300 ionomer encapsulant sheets are designed for PV modules which are more sensitive to moisture and for architectural applications that require exceptional strength.
New App • High clarity • High strength and stiffness • Low moisture absorption
Nylon resins DuPont™ Zytel® nylon resins – for robust and aesthetic glass reinforced inverter housing. • • • • •
High mechanical strength Excellent balance of stiffness/toughness Good high temperature performance Good electrical and flammability properties Good abrasion and chemical resistance
Teflon® FEP/ETFE films DuPont™ Teflon® FEP/ETFE films for lightweight and flexible modules, as well as roll-to-roll manufacturing processes. • Highest transmissive frontsheet used in PV today • Effective protection against moisture • Superior adhesion to EVA • Harder to soil and easier to clean • Suitable for flexible modules on flat and curved roof tops • Unbreakable • Corners will not chip • Safer and easier to install than glass
Building-integrated photovoltaics DuPont™ 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 install Optimum water tightness High surface efficiency Good module ventilation Reliable, high-performance materials Resistant to UV, heat, wind and snow loads Corrosion resistant Harmonious look and integration Compatible with almost every type of roof and tile
plications New Applications
*) Currently available in France
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.
photovoltaics.dupont.com
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.
DURABILITY
Highest cell and module performance. DuPont materials improve cell and module efficiency by reducing loss of sunlight and minimizing contact resistivity.
EFFICIENCY
Lower total system costs. DuPont provides quality materials, design solutions, manufacturing processes and components to help reduce the cost per PV kWh.
COST REDUCTION
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.
NEW APPLICATIONS
Credits: page 2/3: #1 Seanstudio Dreamstime.com | page 4: Solamet速 metallization pastes, image coutesy of Ascent Solar | page 4/5: #3 Thaut Images fotolia.com | page 6: #3 courtesy of Solarion AG | page 7: #1 PlanetSolar SA, Jerome KELAGOPIAN | page 8: #1 Arzan Dreamstime.com | page 10: #2 Kiosk88 Dreamstime.com | page 11: #1 courtesy of SMA Solar Technology AG / #2 Lumeta Inc. | page 12: #1 Pancaketom Dreamstime.com | page 15: #1 Doroo Dreamstime.com, morganimation fotolia.com | all other images: DuPont property
Contacts Contact us
DuPont Europe: Western Europe (local toll-free): 0800 3876 6838 Europe, Middle-East & Africa: 0034 985 12 3773
DuPont North America: United States: 001 800 441 7515 Canada: 001 800 387 2122 Geneva
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DuPont Latin America: Brazil (local toll-free): 0800 171715 Others - Latin America: 0055 11 4166 8000
DuPont Asia Pacific: Australia: 0061 2 9923 6111 China: 0086 21 38622888 India: 0091 124 2540900
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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. The information set forth herein is furnished free of charge and is based on technical data that DuPont believes to be reliable. It is intended for use by persons having technical skill at their own discretion and risk. DuPont makes no warranties, express or implied, and assumes no liability in connection with any use of this information.
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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.