DuPont Microcircuit Materials has launched its next-generation back side silver material for high-efficiency solar cells. DuPont Solamet PV51G photovoltaic metallization decreases dependence on silver metals by reducing overall material consumption in solar cells up to 25 percent, while providing better adhesion and maintaining desired efficiency performance of the cells.

This new offering is consistent with the continued formulation of leading-edge Solamet photovoltaic metallization pastes that help cell makers maintain a healthy cost of ownership while improving solar cell efficiency to help reach grid parity faster.

"Since the launch of DuPont Solamet PV51M to the photovoltaic market last September, we have received a great deal of positive customer feedback on the product design concept and the resulting total cost of ownership reduction," said Peter Brenner, photovoltaics global marketing manager, DuPont Microcircuit Materials.

"Providing a high-efficiency cell and maintaining a healthy cost structure are critical factors in ensuring sustainability in the photovoltaic market, and materials such as the new Solamet PV51G play a significant role in making that possible."

DuPont Solamet PV51x series photovoltaic metallization paste products are tabbing conductors made with a breakthrough formulation that enables cell makers to use up to 25 percent less material and delivers comparable electrical performance versus the leading incumbent. This hnail elps reduce dependence on silver metals and offsets some of the impact that rising silver prices have on the cost of producing solar cells and modules.

All the Solamet PV51x series products provide an excellent printability window; ability to co-fire with current Solamet front side silver pastes; a superior adhesion window; reduced laydown; reduced tab footprint; and are made without lead or cadmium.

The new Solamet PV51G photovoltaic metallization back side paste is a highly conductive, solderable silver composition, developed to provide excellent adhesion when used in conjunction with back side aluminum compositions. This paste may be co-fired with front side (n-type) silver conductors such as DuPont Solamet PV15x, PV16x, and PV17x and with back side (p-type) aluminum conductors such as DuPont Solamet PV3xx. Solamet PV51G is applied in a standard screen print process.