Dupont, Suntech Partner To Supply Photovoltaic Materials

The agreement focuses on technology advancements and supply-chain cost reduction initiatives. The companies also are pursuing co-marketing opportunities.

DuPont, a diversified U.S. manufacturer and chemical producer, currently supplies its Solamet photovoltaic metallization pastes for solar cells made by Suntech, as well as its Tedlar polyvinyl fluoride film, which is used in protective backsheets for Suntech solar modules.

The solar-product industry has been struggling with weak demand in Europe–the world’s largest market for solar products–and lower average selling prices. Many solar-product companies are looking to diversify their markets geographically amid revised solar-product subsidy rules in Italy and the weakening of other European markets.

Suntech reported in November it swung to a wider-than-expected loss in its fiscal third quarter as its struggled with sharply higher expenses and a steep foreign exchange loss.

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) produces industry-leading solar products for residential, commercial, industrial, and utility applications. With regional headquarters in China, Switzerland, and the United States, and gigawatt-scale manufacturing worldwide, Suntech has delivered more than 20 million photovoltaic panels to over 1,000 customers in more than 80 countries. Suntech’s pioneering R&D creates customer-centric innovations that are driving solar to grid parity against fossil fuels. Suntech’s mission is to provide everyone with reliable access to nature’s cleanest and most abundant energy source.

www.suntech-power.com