New DuPont encapsulant helps accelerate BIPV roofing

DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions commercialized the first building-integrated photovoltaic modules to take advantage of new DuPont PV5300 Series encapsulant sheets, made of clear, super tough ionomer, according to a May 5 release.System Photonics S.p.A., Italy, uses new DuPont PV5300 Series encapsulant to improve module strength, durability and cost-per-watt efficiency of its new Roof Collection BIPV solar tiles. The tiles are manufactured for easy installation and long-lasting power production."Our technical focus is crystalline silicon based photovoltaic power generation, in durable roofing tiles that mount directly to the structural framing," said Gianluca Aiazzi, CEO, System Photonics, in the release. "Because it's a high volume application, our strategy was to reduce module labor costs through advanced automation, and then seek further cost-per-watt efficiencies and module manufacturing advantages through ongoing materials science."

The frameless roofing tiles are offered in 24 colors, selected for residential architectural appeal, andfeature power generating cells embedded between two 35-mil sheets of clear DuPont PV5300 Series encapsulant, mounted onto individual ceramic tiles about 1 meter wide. The BIPV roofing tiles are topped with low-iron glass, also held in place by the new encapsulant.The completed assembly is pressed together and heat-sealed using automated vacuum laminators with robotic feeds. The new ionomer-based encapsulant has been instrumental in designing the manufacturing process for speed, reliability and efficiency, according to the release.