DuPont Opens New PV Technical Center in China     

On May 4th, DuPont opened a photovoltaic (PV) technical center at its China global R & D Center in Shanghai to support material developments for the fast growing crystalline silicon photovoltaic solar energy market. DuPont expects to nearly triple its annual photovoltaic sales to more than US$1 billion in 2012.
   This newly established facility contains three labs that focus on processes including cell to module manufacturing, PV metallization and PV module and reliability testing. The new PV technology center provides integrated research, development and technical support for customers in the PV industry in China.
   DuPont provides the largest offering of materials for the photovoltaic solar energy industry, which is growing by double digits.
   In 2008 the output of crystalline silicon PV cells and modules in China was about one third of the total volume in the world, according to DuPont. In response to the rapid expansion of demand from the China market, the PV technical center, with evaluation facilities resembling its customers' production lines, can conduct more systematic product evaluations, troubleshoot issues more quickly and modify material properties for maximum performance. The center will additionally play a key role as a technical focal point, connecting the China market with other technical networks in the region and with the Experimental Station, DuPont's global R & D headquarters in the United States.
   The China R & D Center is located in Zhangjiang High-tech Park, Pudong, Shanghai, one of China's national level technical parks dedicated to high-tech start-ups and research organizations. The total investment for the center to date is approximately US$25 million. DuPont 2008 net sales in greater China were US$2.07 billion.
   In addition to solar, DuPont is providing key innovative products for the wind, biofuels and fuel cells industries that advance energy efficiency and deliver alternative energy sources to reduce the global reliance on fossil fuels.