A 60-Year Legacy of Proven Performance

A 60-Year Legacy of Proven Performance

 
 
 
60th anniversary image
 
 
 

Continuously improving the way we live, travel and communicate 

For over 60 years, Tedlar® has helped enable new possibilities through superior surface protection. To celebrate, we’re taking a look back at some of the most impactful milestones that have helped build a legacy of tested, trusted and proven performance. 

 
 
 
 
 
 

1961

 
 
 
 
 
 

Introducing Tedlar® PVF film

DuPont receives an original registered trademark for Tedlar® PVF film and officially introduces it for commercial use. 

 

New possibilities on the horizon

Tedlar® in backsheet construction for solar applications is first proposed in an article published for a U.N. conference on new sources for solar energy.  

 
 
 

Lasting protection for exterior applications

Tedlar® is first used as a surface finish for outdoor building materials in the early 1960s. 

Superior performance against the elements

For over 60 years, Tedlar® has been protecting buildings against even the most extreme elements.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1963

 
 
 
 
 
 

Tedlar® PVF film takes flight with Boeing

The easy-to-clean, scuff- and chemical-resistant Tedlar® is first used to preserve the look of aircraft interiors. 

 
 
 

1964

 
 
 
 
 
 

Protecting wallcoverings for over 50 years

Tedlar® partner J. Josephson, Inc. marries their vinyl wallcovering with Tedlar® PVF film to create a durable wallcovering.

 
 
 

1981

 
 
 
 
 
 

Tedlar® takes flight with Solar Challenger

When the first solar-powered aircraft takes flight across the English Channel, Tedlar® is on board—protecting several components.

 
 
 

Wallcoverings with Tedlar® film introduced

In 1981, healthcare facilities begin using Tedlar® film to enhance the performance of wallcoverings.

High performance for high-traffic areas

Today, Tedlar® Wallcoverings continue to provide the perfect balance of style and durability for a range of healthcare and hospitality applications. 

 
 
 

1984

 
 
 
 
 
 

Enabling new possibilities in solar energy

As companies begin to expand renewable energy solutions, Tedlar® film-based backsheets are introduced to protect and extend the life of solar panels. 

 
 
 

1986

 
 
 
 
 
 

US Department of Energy chooses Tedlar®

Following an extensive, 11-year study sponsored by the US Department of Energy, NASA’s JPL qualified Tedlar® film for PV backsheets, due to its long-term performance attributes.

 
 
 

1990

 
 
 
 
 
 

Tedlar® film becomes an industry standard

The FAA replaces existing materials in passenger planes with Tedlar® PVF film due to its superior performance.

 
 
 
 
 
 

2007

 
 
 
 
 
 

Tedlar® launches into outer space

In 2007, NASA selects Tedlar® PVF film as a key component for the Phoenix Mars Lander biobarrier. 

Enabling a new frontier 

On May 25, 2008, the Phoenix Mars Lander successfully lands on Mars and operates until November 2. 

 
 
 

2012

 
 
 
 
 
 

Setting sail with Tedlar®

PlanetSolar, the world’s largest solar-powered boat is powered by Tedlar® based backsheets. In 2012, it becomes the first solar-powered vehicle to circumnavigate the globe. 

 
 
 

2019

 
 
 

The clear choice for PV performance

Clear Tedlar® film is first introduced as a lighter, easier to install and easier to maintain alternative to dual glass bifacial panels.

Increasing possibilities. Reducing costs. 

Panels made with Clear Tedlar® continue to improve the performance of PV panels while also helping lower LCOE and ownership costs.

 
 
 

2021

 
 
 
 
 
 

DuPont introduces Tedlar® PV Rescue Tape

Designed to further extend the life of solar panels, Tedlar® PV rescue tape is an innovative solution to repair damaged backsheets in the field without having to replace them.