Photovoltaic Solar Energy On Track To Reach Grid Parity By 2015

David B. Miller, DuPont Electronics & Communications President said, "We expect the global photovoltaics markets will, on average, achieve grid parity by 2015. Some areas where there is an abundance of sunlight and high grid electricity prices already have achieved grid parity. Advanced materials that continue to increase the efficiency and extend the lifetime of photovoltaic modules are an important factor in driving down the cost of photovoltaic electricity."

The cost of photovoltaic energy is a function of the lifetime and efficiency of solar cells and modules. DuPont provides important products to the photovoltaic industry like DuPont Solamet photovoltaic metallisation paste, which plays a central role in efficient conduction of the electricity generated by photovoltaic cells.

DuPont also provides Tedlar polyvinyl fluoride films for the backsheet of photovoltaic modules, which is the only material proven to enable photovoltaic modules to perform in the field for the 25-plus years that investors require to achieve their expected returns on photovoltaic systems.

DuPont achieved about $1.4 billion in sales to the photovoltaic market in 2011, and has set a goal to reach $2 billion in sales by 2014, based on continued, strong demand for its products. Over the next five years, the industry anticipates 20 percent average annual growth in installations, as photovoltaics reaches grid parity in more markets.