Dow Corning Corporation, a global leader in silicon-based technology and innovation, was named winner of the 2009 SOLAR Industry Award in the photovoltaic material category for its new Dow Corning PV-6100 Encapsulant Series and manufacturing process, which have demonstrated cost savings and superior protection for solar modules.
The SOLAR Industry Awards, presented by Solar PV Management magazine, were created to acknowledge companies across the photovoltaic value chain that have pioneered new or innovative products, systems and manufacturing processes that help promote grid parity.
Industry professionals selected Dow Corning to win the award from a group of seven photovoltaic material manufacturers. The awards were presented by David Ridsdale, the magazine's editor-in-chief, at the 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference in Hamburg, Germany.
"Dow Corning is honored to be recognized as a leading materials provider for the solar industry," said Don Buchalski, senior marketing specialist, Dow Corning Solar Business. "For more than a decade, we have used innovative silicone technology to address critical industry challenges such as availability of raw materials and the cost and performance of solar modules."
Dow Corning announced the commercialization of its Dow Corning PV-6100 Encapsulant Series last month, which outperforms incumbent organics in durability, efficiency, module life and UV resistance, providing greater protection for solar cell modules. A new manufacturing process working in conjunction with the encapsulant series is also proven to reduce the cost per kilowatt-hour of solar power by lowering the total cost of ownership through lower processing temperatures, faster throughput, and lower capital and less factory space needed for the equipment.
"Our ultimate goal is to help the solar industry become a viable energy option, able to compete economically with traditional energy sources," said Gaetan Borgers, global solar industry director. "We are closer than we have ever been to achieving that goal."
Dow Corning Solar Solutions provides materials and services for the entire photovoltaic supply chain, from silicon feedstock for ingots and wafers production to solar module assembly materials. It is leveraging its unique position and global leadership in the silicon value chain to deliver solutions that will make a difference in the photovoltaic industry and help photovoltaic producers fulfill the mid- and long-term promises of solar energy.