DuPont Microcircuit Materials (MCM) recently added two key accounts, Sunways AG and Heckert Solar AG, to a growing list of leading photovoltaic manufacturers using DuPontTM Solamet® PV17x photovoltaic metallization pastes to produce higher efficiency solar cells and modules. Since their introduction in February 2011, Solamet® PV17x series photovoltaic metallizations have repeatedly proven they enable higher conversion efficiency, process reliability, yield and superior aesthetics. Because Solamet® PV17x series metallizations also enable 10 percent lower material consumption, they achieve results more cost effectively. The ability to use less material translates into savings for cell and module manufacturers.
Sunways is a specialist in colored façade modules for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) that recently adopted Solamet® PV17x photovoltaic metallizations for colored crystalline silicon modules. An example for the application of such modules is the Paul Horn Arena in Tübingen, Germany, where striking emerald green modules cover the whole 520 square meter southwest façade of the building – the world’s largest photovoltaic façade using colored solar cells – where more than 20,000 Sunways Solar Cells deliver approximately 43.7 kilowatts of output and generate around 30,000 kilowatt hours of solar electricity on an annual basis.
“Paul Horn Arena represents optimal performance and aesthetics, and the metallization technology plays an important role contributing to the global trend toward integrating photovoltaic systems into architecture,” said Roland Burkhardt, chief technology officer — Sunways. “Our ability to customize the designs in this manner clearly sets Sunways apart from other players.”
DuPontTM Solamet® PV17x series photovoltaic metallizations feature exceptional solderability and adhesion which enable reliable use in the highly automated tabbing and stringing processes used by module makers. Improved series resistance and up to 0.2 percent improved efficiency over the earlier generation Solamet® PV16A also are key advantages to manufacturers such as German-based Heckert Solar.
“We have high standards for Heckert Solar modules and are pleased to be working with DuPont to understand how we can boost our module efficiency even further,” said Georg Napetschnig, Chemnitz, Germany site manager – Heckert Solar. “Solar cells metalized with Solamet® PV17x exhibit a wide processing latitude best suited to meet the requirements for the various solder assembly techniques we employ. The excellent solderabilty and use of thicker ribbons in particular contribute to higher productivity and a significant improvement in cell to module power.”
DuPontTM Solamet® PV17x photovoltaic metallization pastes are latest in a broad and quickly expanding portfolio of Solamet® offerings DuPont has developed to help enable the solar industry goal for conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells beyond 20 percent in 2012.
DuPont Microcircuit Materials 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 http://mcm.dupont.com.
DuPontTM 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 http://photovoltaics.dupont.com.
DuPont 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
