DuPont, US gov to develop ultra-thin protective film for thin film solar modules

03-Jul-09

DuPont recently announced plans with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for a US$9 mln solar research program -- part of the company's overall effort in providing more mainstream solar photovoltaic (PV) products for commercial and residential applications. The three-year program is designed to accelerate commercialization of an ultra-thin protective film -- more than 3,000 times thinner than a human hair -- that prevents moisture from degrading the performance of thin film PV modules, a key challenge in the past. The collaboration will enable the broad, commercial production of durable, long- lasting, lightweight, high efficiency, flexible PV modules. Thin film PV modules are projected to be the fastest growing segment of the solar module industry because of their potential to reduce the cost of producing solar-derived energy -- helping solar energy become more competitive with other forms of energy generation. Thin film PV panels can be made with flexible plastic instead of glass, and can be bent and wrapped, offering greater versatility and easier integration into the roofing, windows or siding of a commercial or residential building. Environmental degradation can take place without glass protecting the sensitive portions of the module. DuPont will provide US$6 mln and the DOE will contribute US$3 mln to the research program.