Apr 23 2009
DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions (DPVS) announces commercial availability of new DuPont PV5200 Series photovoltaic (PV) encapsulant sheets, based on polyvinyl butyral (PVB) polymer technology. The new PVB sheets offer physical and processing performance levels proven in laminated glass manufacturing, with additional features designed in to meet the needs of thin-film solar power generation.
The DuPont PV5200 Series sheet is a clear, pliable material with excellent flow characteristics, well-suited for module encapsulation using nip-roll/autoclave, vacuum laminating and novel solar module processing methods.
Unlike single-product suppliers, DuPont has an industry-leading range of clear, tough, adhesive materials that can be used in solar module manufacturing, including technologies adapted from related industries such as food packaging, roofing and building panel lamination . The DuPont PV5200 Series encapsulants are the first in a series of products emerging from recent DuPont development efforts to optimize encapsulants for faster, more efficient module production and longer service life. Focused on glass-glass thin-film module constructions, new DuPont PV5200 Series encapsulant sheets assure excellent glass adhesion and proven safety glass performance, with high visible light transmission.
"DuPont PV5200 Series encapsulants have been optimized for mechanical, adhesive, melt-flow and chemical stability properties in contact with new thin-film module manufacturing materials," said Steve Cluff, business director for DuPont Photovoltaic Encapsulants. Cluff heads a recently formed 30-person encapsulants team at DuPont, working closely with module manufacturers to enable new fabrication methods and use of new materials of construction.
"The DuPont PV5200 Series sheet is a clear, pliable material with excellent flow characteristics, well-suited for module encapsulation using nip-roll/autoclave, vacuum laminating and novel solar module processing methods," said Cluff. The new PVB-based encapsulant sheets are offered in thicknesses from 15 mil (0.38 mm) to 45 mil (1.14 mm), for sampling and use by solar module makers worldwide.
Besides the PV5200 Series, DuPont anticipates the launch of several other PV sheet technologies in 2009, drawing from its cross-disciplinary approach to encapsulants research.
"Unlike single-product suppliers, DuPont has an industry-leading range of clear, tough, adhesive materials that can be used in solar module manufacturing, including technologies adapted from related industries such as food packaging, roofing and building panel lamination," said Cluff.
DuPont forecasts a market for encapsulants growing at least 25 percent per year over the next 5 years. As much as 20 percent of the market is expected to shift to new encapsulants during that time, based on results of module compatibility testing and accelerated aging studies now under way for leading module manufacturers.
DuPont PV5200 Series Encapsulants are part of a broad and growing portfolio of products represented by DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions, which connects science and technology from across the company on a global scale to help support the dramatic growth in the photovoltaic industry. To learn more, please visit http://photovoltaics.dupont.com/.
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.