Protect people and the planet
Delivering solutions for global challenges
Acting on climate
Life-Extending Protection for Renewable Energy Production
World Resources Institute data indicates that nearly 32% of total green house gas (GHG) emissions come from the generation of heat and electricity.*
Harnessing abundantly available solar energy to generate electricity is an important tool in reducing GHG emissions that contribute to global climate change. With solar installations increasing in all major world regions, total global solar capacity has reached well over 700 GW.
Photovoltaic (PV) panels are expected to convert sunlight into energy for 30 years or more, but solar panels in the field often experience degradation and other failures that shorten their useful life. Failures reduce their ability to produce renewable energy and impact safety.
*Source: https://www.wri.org/insights/4-charts-explain-greenhouse-gas-emissions-countries-and-sectors
Tedlar®-based backsheets on solar panel systems are the outermost “layer” for the panel and the first defense for solar cells. In order to protect a panel over its lifeapan of 25 to 30 years, the backsheet must have optimal balance of three critical properties: weatherability, mechanical strength and adhesion.
Tedlar® TPE Backsheet offers protection from UV, thermal moisture, mechanical and chemical stress. The film is more stable under heat and UV exposure than single-sided tie layers.
Click here to learn more about Tedlar®
Based on the unique function of Tedlar® in installed solar panels, its beneficial effects as a material in helping reducing GHG emissions through renewable electricity production has been estimated:
- 205 GW of solar panels with Tedlar®-based backsheets have been installed across the globe since 2004
- Over 800 million tonnes of avoided CO2 emissions from averting electricity generation from fossil fuels, with over 200 million tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided from PV panels installed in 2020 alone
- 32 million tonnes of CO emissions avoided annually by extending lifetime of PV panels from 15 years to 30 years of operational life (based on capacity installed in 2020)
Protect people and the planet stories
Kapton® Helps Modernize Rail in India
The Indian government plans to have India’s railways routes fully electrified by 2023 and fully powered by renewable sources by 2030. DuPont Kapton® FCRC wire insulation coupled with DuPont Nomex® slot liner insulation is the standard for high efficiency traction motor insulation systems for demanding, high temperature rail applications,
Kapton® Helps Modernize Rail in India
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Life-Extending Protection for Renewable Energy Producers
Photovoltaic panels are expected to convert sunlight into energy for 30 years or more, but solar panels in the field often experience degradation and other failures that shorten their useful life, thereby reducing their ability to produce renewable energy. Tedlar-based backsheets have been demonstrated to significantly extend panel lifespan, with multiple examples of installations generating electricity well beyond 30 years.
Life-Extending Protection for Renewable Energy Producers
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Prioritizing Safety Through a Disaster
In August 2021, Hurricane Ida significantly impacted our Pontchartrain, LA manufacturing facility. Preparations for site operations, employee safety and community recovery began days ahead and continued weeks after.
Prioritizing Safety Through a Disaster
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Lowering GHG Emission
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) are used in blowing agents and manufacturing of other building insulation materials. Some HFCs have high global warming potential (GWP) where they end up in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change.
Lowering GHG Emission
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Flow of Life
Creating a water-optimized future relies on innovation and action now, and in future generations.
The “Flow of Life” project promotes water science literacy and education across primary and secondary students in China.
Flow of Life
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Water Optimization in High Stress River Basins
Many rivers around the world are now classified as “high stress”. This means that more than 40% of the naturally available water in the basin is removed leading to the risk of water scarcity. Our Zhangjiagang site in China set a sustainability goal to reduce wastewater generation, and address other water usage opportunities.
Water Optimization in High Stress River Basins
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Advancing Low Carbon Mobility
DuPont provides solutions that enable vehicle electrification and expansion of the electronic vehicle (EV) market, including thermal management, battery assembly, and enhanced connectivity