DuPont Microcircuit Materials (MCM) has introduced DuPont Solamet PV51M photovoltaic metallization paste, a new tabbing material used in solar cell manufacturing.

This breakthrough new formulation enables cell makers to use up to 15 percent less material, in line with the company's intent to accelerate product developments that help the photovoltaic industry reduce its dependence on silver metals and offset some of the impact that rising silver prices have on the cost of producing solar cells and modules.

"Enabling our customers to achieve the highest efficiencies and lowest overall costs - in particular by reducing silver content - is a challenge the DuPont team embraces," said Peter Brenner, global marketing manager, photovoltaics - DuPont Microcircuit Materials.

"Solamet PV51M is just the latest example of our ability to bring creative thinking together with focused research to open up new scientific possibilities, and our experience in driving developments through to commercialization quickly continues to set us apart as a leader in metallization technology."

Solamet PV51M photovoltaic metallization requires up to 15 percent less material consumption while delivering comparable electrical performance versus the leading incumbent, Solamet PV505.

It allows an excellent printability window, and is co-firable with current Solamet frontside silver pastes, including Solamet PV16X and the newest Solamet PV17A, which also features lower material consumption. The superior adhesion window of Solamet PV51M tabbing conductor enables the customer to reduce laydown and reduce the tab footprint, without compromising performance in the end module.

DuPont expects that ongoing research efforts will enable the development of subsequent generations of Solamet products with the silver content reduced by as much as 20 percent compared to today's existing products.

The development is part of MCM's roadmap of proposed technology options to enable the industry goal for conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells beyond 20 percent by 2012, and to help lower the cost of photovoltaic generated energy.

Related Links
DuPont Microcircuit Materials and Solamet metallization pastes
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