Oerlikon Adds DuPont PV5215 PV Encapsulant Sheet to Approved List

At the 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibit in Hamburg, Germany, DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions is displaying an Oerlikon Solar thin film photovoltaic (PV) module made with DuPont PV5215 PVB-based encapsulant.

The newly approved encapsulant can now be used in modules carrying the Oerlikon Solar’s master certification from TÜV Rheinland, who provide international testing and certification services for crystalline silicon and thin-film module technologies.

TÜV’s photovoltaic testing is undertaken in accordance with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, such as IEC 61646 for thin film modules, which sets the requirements for the performance of modules suitable for long-term operation in outdoor terrestrial climates. IEC 61646 tests include UV, thermal cycling, hot spot testing, humidity/freeze and outdoor exposure, damp heat, and wet leak current testing … all aimed at assuring long-term power generating reliability.

“Oerlikon Solar’s thin film silicon PV technology is widely recognized as one of the performance and market leaders by manufacturers competing to enable clean, affordable solar power,” according to Steve Cluff, global business director – DuPont Photovoltaic Encapsulants. “DuPont has been working closely with Oerlikon Solar to assure their customers have access to our latest encapsulants, including materials aimed at improving manufacturing cost-effectiveness and module life.”

The DuPont PV5215 encapsulant is a clear PVB sheet optimized for fast, reliable processing and long-term compatibility with Oerlikon Solar’s module components. The latest TUV test results allow for use of DuPont PV5215 under Oerlikon Solar’s master certification for PVB-based thin film solar PV modules.

“Our goal is to help customers continuously advance their module manufacturing efficiency, using qualified materials from multiple suppliers capable of further advancing the state-of-the-art technology,” Jeannine Sargent, CEO of Oerlikon Solar, explained. “Adding new encapsulants such as DuPont PV5215 PVB is part of Oerlikon Solar’s commitment to helping make solar power economically viable.”

Oerlikon Solar, headquartered in Switzerland, offers field proven equipment and end-to-end manufacturing lines for the mass production of thin film silicon solar modules. The production lines are complete systems, yet modular and upgradeable in both throughput and process technology.