Focus on Photovoltaic Materials Selection & Downstream Collaboration

DuPont announced it has entered into a marketing cooperation agreement with Desert Technologies, a solar panel manufacturer, project developer and EPC contractor based in Saudi Arabia. It is expected that the parties will collaborate on a variety of downstream marketing efforts to promote and support the expected growth and expansion of photovoltaic systems in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA). The agreement contemplates that Desert Technologies will evaluate and use DuPont™ Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoride-based backsheets in solar panels and projects and also undertake evaluations of PV cells that are manufactured with DuPont™ Solamet® metallization pastes. DuPont™ Tedlar® based backsheets are the only PV panel backsheet materials with a 25+ years field-proven record. In addition, DuPont and Desert Technologies anticipate undertaking certain technical collaborations and efforts to help facilitate the adoption and growth of reliable solar panels and systems in the region that can best withstand the often harsh environment.

"Saudi Arabias commitment to renewable energy is demonstrated by the ambitious King Salaman Renewable Energy Initiative for 9.5 GW of installed capacity by 2023. Furthermore, the gradual phasing out of electricity price subsidies over the next four years is opening the commercial and industrial sectors as a grid parity market for solar energy. However, this potential is dependent on durable and reliable solar panels that can withstand the extreme conditions of the Saudi climate and are manufactured in Saudi Arabia, therefore contributing to the diversification of the local economy and the expansion of the job market", said Nour Mousa, founder & CEO, Desert Technologies.
According to Mr. Mousa, anticipated mono crystalline solar panel production at the new Desert Technologies plant in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is expected by the end of the year, ramping up capacity to 120 MW. Desert Technologies also has a pipeline of solar projects in the MENA region exceeding 300 MW.
"DuPont is pleased to collaborate with Desert Technologies", said Stephan Padlewski, regional marketing leader, EMEA, DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions. "I believe our collaborative efforts can help accelerate the adoption and growth of long lasting, reliable solar systems in the region that can best withstand the often harsh environment."
DuPont™ Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoride films and DuPont™ Solamet® photovoltaic metallization pastes are part of a broad and growing portfolio of products represented by DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions (DPVS), which connects science and technology from across the company on a global scale to help support the dramatic growth in the photovoltaic industry. To learn more, please visit http://photovoltaics.dupont.com.
DowDuPont Specialty Products, a division of DowDuPont (NYSE: DWDP), is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, building and construction, health and wellness, food and worker safety. DowDuPont intends to separate the Specialty Products division into an independent, publicly traded company. More information can be found at http://www.dow-dupont.com.
Desert Technologies was founded by Saudi and international partners who recognize the huge solar potential of the MENA region. Founded in 2012, at the start of a sustained regional boom in the PV industry, the company has enjoyed exceptional growth, developing and building projects in Jordan and Egypt. DT operates through three divisions: EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contracting, project development and investment, as well as photovoltaic module manufacturing. The company is headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with satellite offices in Amman, Jordan and Cairo, Egypt. More information can be found at http://www.desert-technologies.com