Greentech Lead
America: DuPont Electronics & Communications said DuPont advances
in materials are driving the cost of solar energy lower.
“We expect that global photovoltaics markets will, on
average, achieve grid parity by 2015,” said DuPont Electronics &
Communications President David B. Miller.
“Some areas where there is an abundance of sunlight and
high grid electricity prices already have achieved grid parity. Advanced
materials that continue to increase the efficiency and extend the lifetime of
photovoltaic modules are an important factor in driving down the cost of
photovoltaic electricity,” Miller added.
According to DuPont, the cost of photovoltaic energy is a
function of the lifetime and efficiency of solar cells and modules.
DuPont offers DuPont Solamet photovoltaic metallization
paste to the photovoltaic industry. These products play a critical role in
efficient conduction of the electricity generated by photovoltaic cells.
Moreover, DuPont provides Tedlar polyvinyl fluoride films
for the backsheet of photovoltaic modules, which is the only material proven to
enable photovoltaic modules to perform in the field for the 25-plus years that
investors require to achieve their expected returns on photovoltaic systems.
“It is important for investors in photovoltaic systems
to understand that using modules made with the most advanced proven materials
like Solamet and Tedlar can enhance returns. The systems being installed today
will be around for at least a generation so the quality of what they are made
from really matters,” said Miller.
DuPont achieved about $1.4 billion in sales to the
photovoltaic market in 2011, and has set a goal to reach $2 billion in sales by
2014, based on continued, strong demand for its products.
Over the next five years, the industry anticipates 20
percent average annual growth in installations, as photovoltaics reaches grid
parity in more markets. DuPont remains the largest supplier of materials for
the photovoltaics market, except for silicon.