Novel Formulation Accelerates Further Efficiency Gains for Solar Cells
WILMINGTON, Del., May 15, 2012 – Axuntek Solar Energy Co., Ltd. has announced its new IEC-certified Copper Indium Gallium (di)Selenide (CIGS) thin film solar cell modules using DuPont™ PV5400 series ionomer encapsulant. These frameless solar modules, which are the first adoption of DuPont™ PV5400 into CIGS technology, take advantage of the ionomer’s excellent clarity and low moisture ingress, which combine to create a highly efficient module with a low cost position due to the elimination of edge seal and frame. The frameless module allows higher density module shipments, reducing shipping costs.
“The use of the DuPont™ PV5400 series ionomer encapsulants in CIGS modules demonstrates multiple benefits of the ionomer encapsulant’s inherent qualities,” said Penny Perry, global marketing manager, DuPont PV Encapsulants. “It provides strength to enable a frameless design, transparency for more design flexibility and ensures more power output over the life of the module.”
“The performance level of the PV5400 encapsulant was a key factor in these frameless solar modules receiving IEC certification,” said Ray Lin, sales and marketing manager, Axuntek. “CIGS technology offers the potential to reach higher efficiencies than other thin film technologies, and the choice of encapsulant is important to ensure the highest level of performance and long-term durability. DuPont™ PV5400 not only increases the modules’ durability and production efficiency, but can significantly enhance their long-term power-generating efficiency.”
The DuPont™ PV5400 Series is an ideal choice for use with CIGS technology; it has excellent UV resistance and does not generate free acid under degradation conditions. As a thermoplastic, it does not require cross-linking and thus has no peroxide or other degradation-inducing additives. The UV stability of ionomers is well demonstrated in its use for more than 15 years as a high-performing interlayer in architectural applications.
Because it is up to 100 times stiffer and 5 times stronger than traditional thin film laminating materials, DuPont™ PV5400 encapsulant also minimizes module deflection and increases mechanical strength. The use of DuPont™ PV5400 can facilitate the design of modules for high strength applications, as well as meeting building codes for building-integrated window structures. Making use of the excellent clarity of the ionomer/glass combination, the cell spacing can be adjusted to create “see-through” frameless modules that appeal to the end-user’s aesthetic sense.
DuPont™ photovoltaic encapsulants 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. To learn more, please visit. http://photovoltaics.dupont.com.
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com
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| Axuntek’s new frameless IEC-certified CIGS thin film solar cell modules are enabled by DuPont™ PV5400 series ionomer encapsulants. Photo courtesy of Auntek Solar Energy Co., Ltd. | |
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