Leading Photovoltaic Module Manufacturers Adopt DuPont Solamet Photovoltaic Metallizations for Higher Efficiency Solar Cells and Modules

DuPont Microcircuit Materials (MCM) recently added two key accounts, Sunways AG and Heckert Solar AG, to a growing list of leading photovoltaic manufacturers using DuPont Solamet PV17x photovoltaic metallization pastes to produce higher efficiency solar cells and modules.

Since its introduction in February 2011, Solamet PV17x series photovoltaic metallizations have repeatedly proven they enable higher conversion efficiency, process reliability, yield and superior aesthetics. Because Solamet PV17x series metallizations also enable 10 percent lower material consumption, they achieve results more cost effectively. The ability to use less material translates into savings for cell and module manufacturers.

Sunways is a specialist in colored façade modules for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) that recently adopted Solamet PV17x photovoltaic metallizations for colored crystalline silicon modules. An example for the application of such modules is the Paul Horn Arena in Tübingen, Germany, where striking emerald green modules cover the whole 520 square meter southwest façade of the building – the world’s largest photovoltaic façade using colored solar cells – where more than 20,000 Sunways solar cells deliver approximately 43.7 kilowatts of output and generate around 30,000 kilowatt hours of solar electricity on an annual basis.

DuPont Solamet PV17x series photovoltaic metallizations feature exceptional solderability and adhesion, which enable reliable use in the highly automated tabbing and stringing processes used by module makers. Improved series resistance and up to 0.2 percent improved efficiency over the earlier generation Solamet PV16A also are key advantages to manufacturers such as German-based Heckert Solar.

“We have high standards for Heckert Solar modules and are pleased to be working with DuPont to understand how we can boost our module efficiency even further,” said Georg Napetschnig, Chemnitz, Germany site manager – Heckert Solar. “Solar cells metalized with Solamet PV17x exhibit a wide processing latitude best suited to meet the requirements for the various solder assembly techniques we employ. The excellent solderabilty and use of thicker ribbons in particular contribute to higher productivity and a significant improvement in cell to module power.”

DuPont Solamet PV17x photovoltaic metallization pastes are the latest in a broad and quickly expanding portfolio of Solamet offerings DuPont has developed to help enable the solar industry goal for conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells beyond 20 percent in 2012.

DuPont Solamet photovoltaic metallizations are part of a broad and growing portfolio of products represented by DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions (DPVS), which connects science and technology from across the company on a global scale to help support the dramatic growth in the photovoltaic industry.