DuPont Photovoltaic Fluoromaterials (DuPont) announced it has developed a new backsheet technology designed to enhance the quality and manufacturability of crystalline silicon solar modules by improving adhesion to encapsulants, resistance to ultraviolet (UV) light and enabling faster throughput in the backsheet production process. The company has recently signed a licensing agreement with Taiflex Scientific, who plans to offer its Solmate® backsheet, powered by the new DuPontTM TPNextTM laminate. This technology is based on continued innovation with DuPontTM Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) film, the industry standard for high-performing protective backsheets for solar modules.
“Tedlar® film is the only material with 25 plus years of proven in-field performance in photovoltaic modules, and we’re pleased to be able to leverage the technology with TPNextTM laminate,” said John E. Odom, global business director – DuPont Photovoltaic Fluoromaterials. “We’ve been innovating with Tedlar® film for 50 years, and this latest introduction represents an important milestone toward enabling the photovoltaic (PV) industry to reach grid parity faster by providing next-generation, high quality, durable Tedlar® film and backsheet constructions. We are confident that this collaboration with Taiflex Scientific will be highly successful due to their commitment to Tedlar® film-based backsheet, our shared commitment to technology innovation and their proven track record of speed in implementation.”
TPNextTM is a proprietary laminate consisting of Tedlar® film, polyester and a unique extrusion-coated tie-layer from DuPont that reduces the use of organic solvent-based adhesives, and delivers superior and consistent adhesion to EVA encapsulants as well as improved UV resistance. TPNextTM laminate, a single protective layer backsheet, is designed to complement the industry-proven standard construction of Tedlar® film, polyester, and Tedlar® film known as TPTTM.
“We were pleased to work in close collaboration with DuPont to bring TPNextTM laminate to the market,” said John Chiang, president – Taiflex. “We feel this type of technology has the potential to help reduce overall system costs while enhancing performance.”
Tedlar® PVF film has set performance standards for 50 years. It consistently outperforms alternative products for photovoltaic backsheet and is recognized as the PV industry standard. Tedlar® is the only film with 25 plus years of proven field experience. Its weatherability properties enable superior, long-term energy output performance for PV modules.
DuPontTM Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoride films are part of the 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 of the photovoltaic industry. To learn more about DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions, visit http://photovoltaics.dupont.com.
DuPont is applying the power of its science to help reduce the world’s dependence on fossil fuels. DuPont has a range of market-leading products that serve the renewable energy industry, including enabling materials for photovoltaics, biofuels, renewably sourced materials and technologies engineered to improve energy efficiency.
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 http://www.dupont.com
Media Contact:
Ellen G. Pressley
919-248-5598
ellen.g.pressley@usa.dupont.com
