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 12, 2025
A roundup of three solar PV project financing stories from Australia, Texas and California, with updates from Potentia Energy, Origis Energy and Baywa r.e.  
December 12, 2025
A round-up of news coming from Europe, with IPP Encavis acquiring a 265MW solar PV portfolio in Italy, Iberdrola starting construction on 366MW of solar PV in its home country and IPP Sonnedix signing a renewables supply agreement with a subsidiary of Volkswagen in Spain.
December 12, 2025
India’s flagship solar PV manufacturing incentive has driven “robust growth” in the sector since its launch, but hurdles remain to building a complete domestic supply chain.
December 12, 2025
Solar PV companies in the US are not waiting for guidance from the US Departments of the Treasury or Energy to act regarding Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC), according to a survey conducted by Crux.
December 12, 2025
US solar PV module prices have stabilised at just over US$0.28/W in the three months to November 2025, according to Anza.
December 11, 2025
The Chinese polysilicon industry has emerged with a new "inventory platform" with a RMB30 billion capital aimed at increasing prices.

Upcoming Events

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
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA