DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions (DuPont) and Yingli Green Energy Holding are collaborating to advance technology for higher efficiency solar cells, new module manufacturing processes and innovative component designs. Through technical collaboration, the two companies aim to accelerate the development and adoption of solar energy to address one of the word's biggest challenges - sustainable energy generation.

"Yingli started its solar business in 1998 and has expanded production exponentially - from 3 megawatts then, to 1.7 gigawatts today," said Liansheng Miao, chairman and chief executive officer, Yingli Green Energy.

"Technology innovation especially through collaboration with leading materials suppliers such as DuPont enables us to deliver high-quality, cost-competitive products, and is at the core of our ability to continually grow and lead in this industry, which will further underscore our commitment to providing the whole world with affordable green solar energy."

Working together, Yingli Solar and DuPont have made significant advancements in raising solar cell efficiency, extending module lifetime and targeting lower overall photovoltaic system costs:

+ Yingli is integrating DuPont metallization technology with an advanced cell diffusion process for greater efficiency increases, based on the Solamet PV17x technology platform.

+ Yingli and DuPont are collaborating to customize metallization materials for Yingli's new Panda series modules, made with an advanced (N-type) cell design for superior efficiency of over 19 percent based on current lab testing.

+ Yingli and DuPont are also collaborating in fluoride films such as DuPont Tedlar polyvinyl fluoride films adopted in Yingli's new Panda modules, ensuring high performance power output for more than 25 years.

"Achieving the best possible performance and lowest total cost from photovoltaic technology is more critical than ever as solar energy is gaining competitive advantage vs. non-renewable energy sources," said William F. Feehery, global business director, DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions.

"Global collaboration helps to accelerate innovation, and most importantly, encourage faster and broader adoption of solar power, which is good for consumers and the environment. We are glad to collaborate with leading module makers like Yingli."