5.12.15

DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions to Highlight Risk Management for Rooftop Solar Energy Systems in South Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 12, 2015 – DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions (DuPont) will be highlighting the growth in rooftop solar installations and strategies to help mitigate risk and maximize financial returns for these unique systems during African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa in Cape Town, May 12-14, 2015.

“There are key differences between ground and rooftop solar installations that make the choice of materials critical,” said Stephan Padlewski, marketing manager, DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions, Europe, Middle East and Africa.  “Materials can significantly impact the power output, reliability and safety of systems as well as the return on investment (ROI) for system owners.”

According to industry analyst NPD Solarbuzz, the South African solar market is expected to become a 9.8 gigawatt (GW) market by 2030, with the rooftop solar market potentially representing over 35 percent of the total market by 2019. 

At the DuPont booth, special emphasis will be put on the unique characteristics of rooftop solar, in particular the thermal stability of the backsheet, sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays and risk mitigation strategies to prevent long-term reliability and safety issues, including deterioration that can compromise the panels’ electrical insulation.

Solar panels installed on rooftops can reach much higher temperatures than panels installed on the ground, due to poor air ventilation and higher thermal cycling.  Padlewski indicated that many systems are not being routinely inspected to determine if the panels are showing signs of premature degradation that could ultimately lead to early system failures and safety issues. 

On May 13, DuPont will co-host a round table discussion with Yingli Solar to discuss best practices for rooftop solar, its challenges and opportunities, with a distinguished panel of speakers including representatives from Aurora Power Solutions, Solareff, Dako Power, Centrafin, TÜV Rheinland Inspection Services and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

DuPont is the leading supplier of specialty materials to the solar energy industry, with advanced materials including DuPont™ Solamet® photovoltaic metallization pastes and DuPont™ Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoride films, designed to improve the power output, reliable lifetime and return on investment for solar energy systems.  To learn more, please visit http://photovoltaics.dupont.com.

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802.  The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment.  For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit http://www.dupont.com.