DuPont ionomer based encapsulant for thin film PV

DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions introduced DuPont PV5400 series thin ionomer-based encapsulant sheets designed to protect sensitive thin film solar modules. DuPont PV5400 Series ionomer-based encapsulants are available in roll form.

February 21, 2011 -- DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions introduced DuPont PV5400 series thin ionomer-based encapsulant sheets designed to protect sensitive thin film solar modules. DuPont PV5400 Series ionomer-based encapsulants are available in roll form.

"A key challenge is how to protect thin film PV modules from air and water vapor long term, and how to continue to lower manufacturing costs. Choosing the right encapsulant material such as DuPont PV5400 not only increases module durability and production efficiency, but can significantly enhance long-term power generating efficiency," said Steve Cluff, global business manager - DuPont Encapsulants.

Because the new DuPont 5400 series ionomer-based encapsulants are fundamentally resistant to moisture intrusion, it is possible to achieve strong, lasting edge integrity without needing caulking or additional edge sealing. Compared with traditional photovoltaic encapsulants such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyvinyl butyral (PVB), new DuPont PV5400 series encapsulants have up to 100 times more electrical resistivity. This offers modules improved electrical insulation, which minimizes current leakage.

Users of DuPont PV5400 series encapsulants also may be able to cut module lamination times by as much as 50% for significant productivity gains on suitable thin film manufacturing lines. The DuPont PV5400 series encapsulant is DuPont's first ionomer sheet to be available in roll form, easing storage and handling for large-volume, high-speed manufacturing. Available sheet thicknesses include 400 and 500 microns (0.4 and 0.5mm).

Other Dupont PV products:

• DuPont Solamet PV701 photovoltaic metallization paste
• Dupont aluminum photovoltaic metallization pastes for rearside passivated cSi solar cell designs
• DuPont Kapton PV products
• DuPont, Oerlikon develop Micromorph-specific encapsulant
• DuPont, Heraeus roll new PV metallization pastes

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Learn more at http://photovoltaics.dupont.com

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