New DuPont Encapsulant And NSG Thin Glass Enable Fujipream To Build World's Thinnest Crystalline Silicon Solar Panel
Modified Ionomer Sheet Provides Superior Backsheet Adhesion & Lamination Cycle Time for Thin Film Photovoltaic Modules
DuPont Kabushiki Kaisha and Fujipream Corporation have successfully developed a new thin crystalline silicon (c-Si) glass-glass photovoltaic module that is 25 percent lighter in weight (excluding the frame) compared with traditional c-Si modules using standard solar grade front glass. The new Fujipream module incorporates new innovative material technology from DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions and NSG Group to provide the strength, rigidity, resistance to impact and weatherability required to meet international module standards. The result is the world's thinnest commercially available glass-glass c-Si photovoltaic module.
A key innovation is the use of DuPont PV5300 Series ionomer-based encapsulant sheets that replace traditional EVA-based encapsulants. The resulting laminate strength enables the thinner module to pass required load and hail tests, and thin glass replaces standard solar grade front glass and backsheet to provide a new lighter-weight glass-glass laminate structure. Two sheets of the DuPont encapsulant surround and protect the module's sensitive silicon cells and circuitry, which is sandwiched between two 1.1-mm sheets of thin glass.
"Fujipream is taking advantage of DuPont PV5300 Series encapsulant to enhance overall module strength and rigidity," explains Jun Koishikawa, development manager – DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers. "The ionomer sheet's adhesion to glass is well-established from years of related experience in laminated structural glass. The high shear coupling of the glass layers via use of the ionomer encapsulant creates a composite-like module structure with strength comparable to a single piece of thicker glass.
The vacuum-laminated photovoltaic module's extra strength lets Fujipream meet required module impact resistance and structural loading requirements using 31 percent less glass than traditional designs, which relied on a 3.2-mm glass topsheet and polymeric backsheet.
Minoru Amoh, president – DuPont Kabushiki Kaisha in Japan, sees the Fujipream module as a natural result of DuPont applying the power of its integrated science to help deliver clean solar power. "DuPont is strategically focused on a thriving photovoltaic industry," said Amoh. "We are applying our market-driven science to offer products and technologies that can transform the sun's potential into clean energy, and delivering growth through our market-leading position in materials. We expect to achieve $1B in revenue from sales into the photovoltaic market in 2010 and $2B by 2014."
About Fujipream Corporation
Founded in 1982, Fujipream Corporation is a Japan-based manufacturing company, with research and development focused on precision laminating technology. It is a leader in optical filters critical to the flat panel display industry and through its Clean Eco Energy division also is focused on specialized photovoltaic module production for residential and industrial use.
About NSG Group
NSG Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of glass and glazing systems in three major business areas; Building Products, Automotive and Specialty Glass. The Specialty Glass business covers a number of niche markets, including displays and optical products. For more information, visit http://www.nsggroup.net/.
DuPont PV Series 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. For more information, visit http://photovoltaics.dupont.com.
About DuPont
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 90 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation. For more information, visit www.dupont.com
SOURCE: DuPont