DuPont delivers new products and bold plans for future

DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions (DPVS) will highlight new material innovations and plans for future growth in Booth 1600 at Solar Power International 2008 in San Diego, California, Oct. 13-16, 2008. DuPont has expanded its portfolio of technologies to enable both crystalline silicon and thin film photovoltaic (PV) cell and module production.

It has also announced significant new investments to accelerate PV materials developments and expand capacity in a number of areas, including – most recently – a planned expansion that will more than double capacity to produce DuPont™ Tedlar® films, and the opening of a new PV technical centre in Japan.

“Through its science and technology leadership, DuPont has developed innovative materials that enable solar modules to run more efficiently, last longer, and make the use of sustainable energy a more viable solution,” said Marc Doyle, global business director — DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions.

“By helping to significantly lower the cost per installed watt of PV energy, we’re fuelling industry growth and faster solar energy adoption, and we will continue to invest and expand as the market grows. Opening new global R&D facilities and announcing plans to significantly increase manufacturing capacity for Tedlar® films are just the most recent examples of our commitment to our customers and to the future of this industry.”

In September, DuPont announced its intent to expand production capacity for DuPont™ Tedlar® films. Scope and site selection work is under way, targeting start-up in late 2009, pending final project approval. Upon completion, the project is expected to more than double the current global production for Tedlar® films. Additional programs to add manufacturing capacity and establish technical centres around the world are also under way. In recent months, DuPont has:

• Opened a new technical center in Kawasaki, Japan, focused on the development of DuPont™ Solamet® thick film metallization paste offerings.

• Announced it will more than double Solamet® production at its Electronic Materials DuPont Dongguan, China, facility.

• Begun construction on a new research centre in Hong Kong and a manufacturing facility in Shenzhen, China, to support the emerging amorphous silicon thin film PV market.

• Committed to invest approximately $150 million to expand and upgrade manufacturing facilities to meet strong demand for its specialty ethylene copolymers in high growth markets including photovoltaics.

• Announced plans to establish a lab at the DuPont Knowledge Center in Hyderabad, India, to provide technical and research support to DuPont customers in the solar energy industry.

• Opened a new technical centre at its facility in Taoyuan, Taiwan, to provide research, development and technical support for Solamet® customers.

• Developed a proprietary technology to produce backsheet containing DuPont™ Tedlar® polymer in a single step, and signed a Technology Licensing Agreement with Toppan to commercialize backsheet for PV modules using this new technology.

DuPont has also recently added two key products to its portfolio. The new DuPont™ Solamet® PV159 thick-film metallization paste can deliver up to .5 percent more efficiency for frontside PV solar cells, and Kalrez® perfluoroelastomer parts from DuPont Performance Elastomers can help improve sealing reliability in photovoltaic processes that use plasma, high heat and aggressive chemicals.

DuPont anticipates that the photovoltaic market will grow by more than 50 percent in each of the next few years, driving demand for existing and new materials that are more cost effective.

As a result of planned expansions and other activities, DuPont expects to triple its sales to the photovoltaic industry to more than $1 billion, up from about $300 million today.

To learn more about DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions, please visit photovoltaics.dupont.com.

DuPont – one of the first companies to publicly establish environmental goals 18 years ago – has broadened its sustainability commitments beyond internal footprint reduction to include market-driven targets for both revenue and research and development investment. The goals are tied directly to business growth, specifically to the development of safer and environmentally improved new products for key global markets.

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.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™, Tedlar®, Kalrez® and Solamet® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.

Editorial Contact:
Horst Ulrich Reimer
Telefon: ++49 (0) 61 02/18-1297
Telefax: ++49 (0) 61 02/18-1318
Horst-Ulrich.Reimer@dupont.com