In July, it was announced that DuPont, the global science-based products company that is one of the largest chemical companies in the world, will receive $3m in funding from the US Department of Energy for a solar research program. The company will provide further mainstream solar photovoltaic products for commercial and residential applications over a three-year period. The entire program will cost $9m, with DuPont providing the other $6m.
'I was pleased to be at DuPont today to highlight the good work being done right here in Delaware,' said Senator Tom Carper in July. 'By developing cutting edge solar energy technology, DuPont continues to be at the forefront of the path to energy independence. DuPont is a world leader in these technologies and I could not be more proud of the work that they do.'
Linda Fisher, chief sustainability officer for DuPont, added, 'Addressing energy security is a monumental challenge that takes collaborations and partnerships, no one sector or organisation can do it alone. Today marks the latest in a string of partnerships DuPont and the US Department of Energy has collaborated in advancing sustainable energy innovations, including biofuels and photovoltaics. This particular technological advancement brings potential to accelerate the use of solar energy by making it more affordable, flexible and efficient in its application. We are prepared to move from the lab to pilot scale manufacturing.'
The initial focus of the programme is on Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) type thin film photovoltaic modules. However, DuPont staff note that the technology could be leveraged into other photovoltaic technologies and potentially into other industries. The company said it expects to nearly triple its annual photovoltaic sales to more than $1bn by 2012. Energy harvesting for portable devices will be a part of this. IDTechEx notes that some CIGS and Dye sensitised Solar cells DSSC are now printed reel to reel as are all organic photovoltaic devices and this can lead to affordable small solar harvesters on items in huge numbers, even including consumer packaged goods e-packaging, now a major focus for the leading brands. DuPont has a place in supplying materials and IP.
For more attend: Energy Harvesting & Storage USA 2009
