New DuPont PV5300 Series Encapsulant Helps Accelerate BIPV Roofing

DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions (DPVS) announces commercialization of the first building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules to take advantage of new DuPont PV5300 Series encapsulant sheets, made of clear, supertough ionomer.

SYSTEM Photonics S.p.A. from Italy calls its new “ROOF Collection” BIPV solar tiles an elegant new choice for adding aesthetically appealing, built-in photovoltaic power generation when roofing or reroofing.

The ROOF Collection solar tiles use new DuPont PV5300 Series encapsulant to improve module strength, durability and cost-per-watt efficiency. The BIPV roofing tiles are manufactured for easy installation, and long-lasting power production.

“Our technical focus is crystalline silicon based photovoltaic power generation, in durable roofing tiles that mount directly to the structural framing,” said System Photonics CEO Gianluca Aiazzi. “Because it’s a high volume application, our strategy was to reduce module labor costs through advanced automation, and then seek further cost-per-watt efficiencies and module manufacturing advantages through ongoing materials science.”

System Photonics’ roofing tiles feature power generating cells embedded between two 35-mil sheets of clear DuPont PV5300 Series encapsulant, mounted onto individual ceramic tiles about 1 meter wide. The BIPV roofing tiles are topped with low-iron glass, also held in place by the new encapsulant.

The completed assembly is pressed together and heat-sealed using automated vacuum laminators with robotic feeds. The new ionomer-based encapsulant has been instrumental in designing the manufacturing process for speed, reliability and efficiency.

“Compared with other encapsulants we tested, the stiffer DuPont PV5300 ionomer sheet also made modules more impact-resistant and much more durable in weather-exposed open edges,” noted Attilio Russo, chief technology officer for System Photonics.