Sep 3 2008
As a leading supplier of materials to the photovoltaic solar industry, DuPont today announced its intent to expand production capacity for its high-performance DuPont(TM) Tedlar(R) films. Scope and site selection work is under way, targeting start-up in late 2009, pending final project approval.
Upon completion, the project is expected to more than double the current global production for Tedlar(R), and would be the largest capital investment in Tedlar(R). Additional details about the expansion phases will be announced later this year.
"The photovoltaic industry is in the midst of a substantial surge globally, and the demand for solar energy continues to increase," said Cynthia C. Green, vice president and general manager - DuPont Fluoroproducts. "This project underscores our commitment to sustainability and providing products that deliver clean, renewable energy for people around the world. Increasing capacity is a priority for our business and today's announcement builds on our capacity expansions in Tedlar(R) polymer in 2007 and the introduction of the new Tedlar(R) 2100 Series film products for photovoltaic modules."
DuPont(TM) Tedlar(R) films have been an essential component of photovoltaic backsheets for more than 25 years. Tedlar(R) is widely recognized as the industry standard due to its excellent weather resistance, ultraviolet resistance and moisture barrier properties. As a result, Tedlar(R) enables solar modules to achieve long-life performance. Tedlar(R) films also are used in key applications for aerospace, construction and graphic arts because of their durability and weatherability. Tedlar(R) is manufactured at DuPont's Fayetteville, N.C., facility, as well as sites in Louisville, Ky., Buffalo, N.Y., and Towanda, Pa.
DuPont anticipates that the photovoltaic market will grow by more than 50 percent in each of the next few years, driving demand for existing and new materials that are more cost effective. DuPont expects that its sales of several product lines into the photovoltaic industry could exceed $1 billion within the next five years.