DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions (DuPont) today announced that two of its commercially available solar materials recently passed a stringent quality standard developed by leading solar panel manufacturer, Sharp Corporation (Sharp). The standard was designed to help ensure the reliable lifetime performance of Sharp solar panels by surpassing current International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, and requiring panel, component and material testing.

Sharp's crystalline silicon-based solar panels are now using DuPont Tedlar polyvinyl fluoride film-based backsheets - essential to protect the panels from the environment and provide electrical insulation, and DuPont Solamet photovoltaic metallization pastes, which help ensure reliable and efficient power output of the solar panels, over their expected lifetime.

The standard is based in part on data gathered from the 30-year operation history of a solar panel, made with DuPont Tedlar polyvinyl fluoride film, installed at the Tsubosaka Temple in Nara, Japan.

"Sharp has imposed a quality assessment standard that exceeds the current industry standards institutionalized by the IEC," said Hideki Yoshioka, general manager, Quality and Environment, Solar System Group - Sharp.

"Sharp's standard consists of panel-based testing as well as testing of materials and components. Materials are critical in determining how well and how long panels perform, and we are pleased to collaborate with material manufacturers such as DuPont to gain insights on materials and ensure we exceed the expectations of our valued customers."

Japan is projected to become the world's largest solar market, with 6.9 gigawatts (GW) to 9.4 GW of solar capacity to be added this year, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

"In an environment where some manufacturers are cutting costs by cutting corners on quality, higher standards are essential to ensure the continued growth and success of solar," said Conrad Burke, global marketing director, DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions.

"Proven materials that meet these higher standards, such as Tedlar film and Solamet pastes, are key foundational elements to support greater power output and durability over an extended time period."