DuPont Microcircuit Materials Introduces New Lower-Silver Solamet® Photovoltaic Metallization
New Solamet® PV51M Designed to Drive Costs Down for Solar Cell Manufacturers
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., - DuPont Microcircuit Materials (MCM) has introduced DuPont(TM) Solamet® PV51M photovoltaic metallization paste, a new tabbing material used in solar cell manufacturing. This breakthrough new formulation enables cell makers to use up to 15 percent less material, in line with the company's intent to accelerate product developments that help the photovoltaic industry reduce its dependence on silver metals and offset some of the impact that rising silver prices have on the cost of producing solar cells and modules.
"Enabling our customers to achieve the highest efficiencies and lowest overall costs - in particular by reducing silver content - is a challenge the DuPont team embraces," said Peter Brenner, global marketing manager, photovoltaics -- DuPont Microcircuit Materials. "Solamet® PV51M is just the latest example of our ability to bring creative thinking together with focused research to open up new scientific possibilities, and our experience in driving developments through to commercialization quickly continues to set us apart as a leader in metallization technology."
Solamet® PV51M photovoltaic metallization requires up to 15 percent less material consumption while delivering comparable electrical performance versus the leading incumbent, Solamet® PV505. It allows an excellent printability window, and is co-firable with current Solamet® frontside silver pastes, including Solamet® PV16X and the newest Solamet® PV17A, which also features lower material consumption. The superior adhesion window of Solamet® PV51M tabbing conductor enables the customer to reduce laydown and reduce the tab footprint, without compromising performance in the end module.
DuPont expects that ongoing research efforts will enable the development of subsequent generations of Solamet® products with the silver content reduced by as much as 20 percent compared to today's existing products. The development is part of MCM's roadmap of proposed technology options to enable the industry goal for conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells beyond 20 percent by 2012, and to help lower the cost of photovoltaic generated energy.
DuPont MCM has over 40 years of experience in the development, manufacture, sale and support of specialized thick film compositions for a wide variety of electronic applications in the photovoltaic, display, automotive, biomedical, industrial, military and telecommunications markets. For more information on DuPont Microcircuit Materials and Solamet® metallization pastes, please visit mcm.dupont.com.
DuPont(TM) Solamet® photovoltaic metallizations are part of a broad and growing portfolio of products represented by DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions (DPVS), 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 photovoltaics.dupont.com.
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.
The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont(TM), The miracles of science(TM) and Solamet® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.
Media Contact:
Ellen G. Pressley
919-248-5598
ellen.g.pressley@usa.dupont.com
