MILAN, Italy, Oct. 16, 2013 – DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions (DuPont) today hosted an exclusive conference in Milan, Italy, which brought together leading representatives from the solar energy industry, the financial and insurance sectors, including Enerpoint, assoRinnovabili, Deutsche Bank and Munich RE, to discuss the critical importance of materials in delivering reliable solar power over the long-term and generating positive investment returns as the industry continues to grow.

The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) reported that at the end of 2012, 6.7 percent of Italy’s peak electricity demand came from solar energy.  Italy is the world’s fifth largest photovoltaic market, according to industry analyst IHS Inc.  The country is expected to see total installation of 1.8 gigawatts (GW) by year-end, and expects to add further 1.6 GW by the end of 2014. 

At the conference, Dr. Stephan Padlewski, Europe, Middle East & Africa marketing manager - DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions, discussed risk mitigation strategies that system owners and financiers can adopt to help extend the expected lifetime of solar energy, improving their return on investment and lowering the overall cost of solar electricity generation. 

“Materials choices are key to how well and how reliably solar panels perform over time,” said Padlewski.  “A panel’s power output and its lifetime determine its payback, and when materials that have proven reliability are specified, it can significantly impact the return on that investment.  When unproven or inferior materials are used, it can result in panel failure or a faster degradation of power than expected and a much lower rate of return, or worse still, financial losses.”

As the Italian market transitions to new business models that no longer rely on government incentives, the banking sector is anticipating new financing models, such as leasing and credit schemes that take into account a much longer period of return-on-investment. These models will require additional testing, certification and auditing processes that can provide them greater confidence in the longevity and durability of solar systems.  The conference reinforced that the selection of proven materials, quality assurance, workmanship, operations & maintenance and system longevity are all key factors that will support the continued growth of solar energy in Italy.

“The solar industry needs to take certification standards seriously and proactively extend testing where necessary,” said Dr. Ulrich Bohnert, risk analyst, Green Tech Solutions, Munich RE.  “The transparent relationship between the certified material combinations, the continuous inspection of incoming materials, the controlled production of solar panels and ongoing reliability testing is essential for a sustainable future of the industry.”

DuPont provides recommendations on industry-standard bill of materials for solar panels based on its extensive study of material performance, and provides panel manufacturers with materials technology that will best match power output and expected lifetime goals of solar installations.

DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions is the leading global supplier of specialty materials to the photovoltaic industry.  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.

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10/16/13