SNEC 2011: DuPont’s ‘Solamet PV36x’ metallization pastes offer 0.8% boost to BSF-based cells

February 22, 2011
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

DuPont Microcircuit Materials (MCM) has introduced a new series of aluminum photovoltaic metallization pastes for rear-side passivated crystalline silicon solar cell designs. DuPont ‘Solamet PV36x’ photovoltaic metallization pastes outperform conventional aluminum compositions by delivering up to 0.8% greater conversion efficiency for solar cells when used in Local Back Surface Field (BSF) designs. 

Problem

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Revolutionary cell designs such as Local BSF need highly specialized metallization pastes designed to deliver efficiency gains and perform well in processing. Current commercial aluminum pastes designed for conventional cells have poor adhesion to passivation layers used with Local BSF designs, typically SiOx and/or SiNx, unless they contain some glass frit, and if the aluminum paste contains glass frit, voids can form at the edge of the aluminum-silicon contact area. 

Solution

DuPont Solamet PV36x photovoltaic metallization pastes overcome this challenge, while enabling up to 0.8% greater efficiency with these types of designs. They are developed to maximize adhesion and minimize voids, with controlled local alloying combined with high lateral conductivity. 

Applications

Aluminum photovoltaic metallization pastes for rear-side passivated crystalline silicon solar cell designs.

Platform

Two new products are being introduced as part of the series. DuPont Solamet PV361 is designed for laser-fired local contact formation. DuPont Solamet PV362 is optimized for Local BSF contact formation under conventional firing conditions. Both products are compatible with the latest Solamet tabbing silver pastes and new DuPont Solamet PV701 photovoltaic metallization for Metal Wrap Through designs.

Availability

Currently available.
 

Read Next

December 3, 2025
The Asian Development Bank has approved a US$650 million loan to accelerate rooftop solar PV deployment in India.
December 3, 2025
German research institute Fraunhofer ISE has launched a project to explore how medium-voltage technology can make material-intensive solar components more efficient and cost-effective.
December 3, 2025
Terra-Gen has closed financing for its 205MW Lockhart III & IV solar PV project in San Bernadino County, California.
December 3, 2025
Buyers should prepare for increases in the price of vital solar module components, such as polysilicon, wafers and cells, but “remain cautious” of accepting new contractual terms from Chinese suppliers until formal market policies are agreed.
December 3, 2025
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has renamed the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) the National Laboratory of the Rockies.
December 3, 2025
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced up to AU$151 million (US$98 million) in conditional funding for Sunman Energy to establish a 500MW per annum solar module manufacturing facility in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales (NSW).

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
December 4, 2025
2pm GMT / 3pm CET
Upcoming Webinars
December 17, 2025
2pm GMT / 3pm CET
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy