At the 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibit in Hamburg,
Germany, DuPont Photovoltaic
Solutions is displaying an Oerlikon Solar thin film photovoltaic (PV) module
made with DuPont™ PV5215 PVB-based encapsulant. The newly approved encapsulant
can now be used in modules carrying the Oerlikon Solar's master certification
from TÜV Rheinland, who provide international testing and certification
services for crystalline silicon and thin-film module technologies.
TÜV's photovoltaic testing is undertaken in accordance with the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, such as IEC 61646 for thin film
modules, which sets the requirements for the performance of modules suitable
for long-term operation in outdoor terrestrial climates. IEC 61646 tests include
UV, thermal cycling, hot spot testing, humidity/freeze and outdoor exposure,
damp heat, and wet leak current testing...all aimed at assuring long-term power
generating reliability.
Because testing to IEC standards is time consuming and expensive, many module
manufacturers rely on the efforts of equipment/technology providers such as
Oerlikon Solar and material suppliers such as DuPont to provide the latest materials
available to them in ready-to-use approved systems.
"Oerlikon Solar's thin film silicon PV technology is widely recognized
as one of the performance and market leaders by manufacturers competing to enable
clean, affordable solar power," according to Steve Cluff, global business
director -- DuPont Photovoltaic Encapsulants. "DuPont has been working
closely with Oerlikon Solar to assure their customers have access to our latest
encapsulants, including materials aimed at improving manufacturing cost-effectiveness
and module life."
The DuPont™ PV5215 encapsulant is a clear PVB sheet optimized for fast,
reliable processing and long-term compatibility with Oerlikon Solar's module
components. The latest TUV test results allow for use of DuPont™ PV5215
under Oerlikon Solar's master certification for PVB-based thin film solar PV
modules.
Jeannine Sargent, CEO of Oerlikon Solar, explains: "Our goal is to help
customers continuously advance their module manufacturing efficiency, using
qualified materials from multiple suppliers capable of further advancing the
state-of-the-art technology. Adding new encapsulants such as DuPont™ PV5215
PVB is part of Oerlikon Solar's commitment to helping make solar power economically
viable."
Oerlikon Solar, headquartered in Switzerland, offers field proven equipment
and end-to-end manufacturing lines for the mass production of thin film silicon
solar modules. The production lines are complete systems, yet modular and upgradeable
in both throughput and process technology.
Oerlikon Solar is ranked "global number one solar turnkey line supplier"
by VLSI Research Inc., a leading provider of market research and economic analysis.
Oerlikon recently won the 2009 Cell Award for the "best technical product
for thin film module manufacturing."
The company has more than 750 employees in 13 locations worldwide and maintains
sales and service centers in the United States, Europe, China, Taiwan, Korea,
Singapore and Japan.
DuPont™ PV5200 Series PVB encapsulants are part of a 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 in the photovoltaic industry. To learn more, please visit
http://photovoltaics.dupont.com.
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.
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