DuPont Performance Polymers introduces new cost-effective materials for photovoltaics

Contact: Rémi Daneyrole Tel.: +41 (0)22 717 54 19 Fax: +41 (0)22 580 22 45 Remi.daneyrole@dupont.com

Düsseldorf, October 2010.  Building on the corporation’s experience in material innovation within the renewable energy sector industry, DuPont Performance Polymers has tailored its portfolio of thermoplastic materials and design knowledge to the needs of the photovoltaic industry.  This includes the introduction of two specific grades of DuPont™ Rynite® PET for photovoltaic applications. The objective behind DuPont Performance Polymer solutions for the photovoltaic industry is to reduce the total cost of manufacturing, assembling and installing photovoltaic systems. By doing so, it is helping the photovoltaic industry reach grid parity faster.

DuPont™ Delrin® 500 TL acetal resin is used for a Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) bearing, which helps the curved mirrors to follow the movement of the sun throughout the day. Photo courtesy of  Acciona Energy

Drawn from its portfolio of high-performance polymers, UV-resistant DuPont™ Rynite® PET resins offer an excellent balance of properties which makes them an ideal candidate for the cost-effective manufacturing of photovoltaic module frames and components. Two specific grades are currently available from DuPont for these applications: Rynite® 935SUV is a 35% glass-fiber/mineral reinforced, UV stabilized grade of polyethylene terephtalate (PET) suitable for injection molding; Rynite® 540SUV is a 40% glass-fiber reinforced, UV stabilized grade of PET suitable for extrusion and injection molding. Both grades combine high stiffness with low warpage and have been specifically developed for long-term outdoor applications.  Other DuPont engineering polymers for the photovoltaic sector include flame-retardant DuPont™ Zytel® nylon for junction boxes and inverters, and low-wear/low-friction DuPont™ Delrin® acetal resin for bearings used in sun-tracking mirror installations, for example.

When used in photovoltaic applications, DuPont’s polymers can help increase design flexibility for greater ease of assembly and installation; provide an opportunity for functional integration (thereby reducing the overall number of components); and when produced in large numbers, offer one of the most cost-competitive methods of production through injection molding and extrusion. Moreover, high performance thermoplastics such as Rynite® can offer a high degree of stiffness for structural strength, excellent outdoor performance, high impact resistance, corrosion resistance and good aesthetics. By using Rynite® PET for frames, resistance to ultraviolet rays, heat, wind and significant loads of snow is assured, as well as enhanced durability and a high surface finish.

“DuPont Performance Polymers innovative materials and solutions can help manufacturers differentiate their photovoltaic systems and design the right system for the right application,” states Orvar Otterstedt, global PV market development manager at DuPont Performance Polymers. “Our materials can be used to reduce cost and increase the sustainability of many components and systems used within the photovoltaic industry, including frames, inverters, connectors and junction boxes. Accordingly, we have invested in material and applications development for the photovoltaic industry and welcome the opportunity to support new industry partners who need innovative materials and construction-friendly solutions to drive the growth of photovoltaics beyond grid parity.”

DuPont™ Delrin®, DuPont™ Crastin® and DuPont™ Zytel® are part of a broad and growing portfolio of products represented by DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions, 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 

The DuPont Performance Polymers business manufactures and sells Crastin® PBT and Rynite® PET thermoplastic polyester resins, Delrin® acetal resins, Hytrel® thermoplastic polyester elastomers, DuPont™ ETPV engineering thermoplastic vulcanizates, Minlon® mineral reinforced nylon resins, Neoprene® polychloroprene, Tynex® filaments, Vespel® parts and shapes, Kalrez® perfluoroelastomer parts, Vamac® ethylene acrylic elastomers (AEM), Viton® fluoroelastomers, Viton® FreeFlow processing aids, Zytel® nylon resins and Zytel® HTN high-performance polyamides. These products serve global markets in the aerospace, appliance, automotive, consumer, electrical, electronic, healthcare, industrial, sporting goods and many other diversified industries.

DuPont (www.dupont.com) is a science-based products and services company.  Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere.  Operating in more than 90 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.