August 10, 2009

DuPont announced the introduction of a new Solar Technology Education Program (STEP) – a free solar education initiative that will allow the company to share its technical expertise with cities as they pursue solar installations at The U.S. Conference of Mayors 77th Annual Meeting in Providence (RI). Through various channels – webinars, conference calls, and other means – DuPont experts will make themselves available to help cities make informed decisions about their options. The program is designed to support cities by providing a trusted, knowledge-based resource and scientifically sound advice on solar installations.

DuPont’s STEP Program is a new and innovative component of its eight-year partnership with USCM – Cities United for Science Progress (CUSP). The mission of this partnership is to bring DuPont’s scientific know-how to assist mayors in making their cities healthier, safer and smarter.

“If any of you are interested in solar and don’t know where to start, or if you’re already down that road but want to make sure you’re getting solar panels that will last and deliver the promised energy at the right cost, DuPont is happy to be a resource to you,” said Mary Kate Campbell, manager of DuPont’s partnership with USCM.

The price of conventional energy continues to rise as reserves for non-renewable resources such as oil, coal, and natural gas are exhausted. As the U.S. seeks to conserve these resources, reduce carbon emissions, and curb the rate of global climate change, the need for additional sustainable energy solutions becomes increasingly evident. Public/private partnerships, similar to USCM/DuPont, are supporting this shift, fueling growth and faster adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar.

The sun provides one of cleanest forms of energy, which is why solar power is emerging as a preferred solution to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Solar power is non-polluting, does not generate greenhouse gases, and creates no waste products. Solar power produces no noise. Photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems are proven effective in both commercial and residential settings, have minimal maintenance costs, and are extremely long lasting - many PV module makers offer 25 year warrantees. Solar power is an increasingly attractive and more cost effective renewable energy option.

Photovoltaic energy is the science of converting light into electrical energy, and is achieved through the use of semiconductors, or photovoltaic solar cells. The cell assemblies are encapsulated into water tight modules for protection from moisture and impact. The resulting assembly is referred to as a solar panel or module.

Photovoltaic modules are offered in a variety of different technologies including traditional rigid, thin film rigid or flexible, and concentrating solar. Each technology has differentiated attributes and recommended applications.

As municipalities direct resources toward more sustainable solutions such as solar power, well informed choices and careful specification down to the materials level are key to help make the most of investments in solar power. Specifications are complex, but critical when purchasing a photovoltaic system. Being educated on key aspects about technologies, performance, safety, and finance can make installation easier and ensure optimal return on investment over the lifetime of the system.

Quality solar cells, modules, and systems should perform for greater than 25 years if they are produced with materials delivering high efficiency, durability, reliability, and safety standards. High quality solar components produced from superior materials can help you avoid poor performance, system failure, shorter lifetimes, and safety hazards in PV systems.

DuPont, a leading materials supplier to the photovoltaics industry, is becoming active in initiatives to educate cities about the science of solar energy, and how it can best be utilized. With more than 25 years of experience in the PV industry, DuPont is committed to innovation in materials that improve the lifetime and efficiency of solar modules. Through the STEP Program, DuPont will bring this history of innovation and knowledge into city hall to help cities achieve a more reliable investment payback, more power per installed watt, and safer operations from PV power systems.

For additional information on STEP, contact Alexander Cochran at CUSP by sending e-mail to Alexander@bgrdc.com.