Aug 25 2006
DuPont yesterday announced a production expansion of DuPont™ Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) film. The new facility, with an estimated investment of $50 million, is scheduled for completion by 2007.
The company also announced the launch of DuPont™ Tedlar® PV2100 Series films, part of an extended product line used in the protective backsheets of solar panels, which are critical to the efficiency, lifetime and overall operation of the panels. DuPont™ Tedlar® PV2100 Series films provide increased dimensional stability, tear and abrasion resistance and higher reflectance, which improves output and efficiency.
“DuPont and Tedlar® have played key roles in the solar energy industry,” said Cindy Green, vice president and general manager, DuPont Fluoroproducts. “This expansion will allow us to better supply customers in several global market segments as we focus more of our science and innovation on improving the life cycle of solar cells and reducing the cost per watt of electricity to consumers and building owners.”
DuPont estimates the market for Tedlar® films is increasing at more than 30 percent per year, due to a surge in the production and installation of photovoltaic solar panels around the world.
Tedlar® films also are used in key applications for aerospace, construction and graphics arts because of their durability and weatherability.