DuPont To Hit $1 Billion in Solar Sales This Year

Talk about an ambitious goal--DuPont has moved up its timeline to hit $1 billion in solar sales from 2011 to this year. And by 2014, the company expects to hit $2 billion. The predicted jump in sales is a result of the "continued explosive growth in the industry," explained DuPont spokesman Dan Turner.

So what, exactly, is DuPont making its money from? DuPont sells at least 10 products used in the solar panel production process, including crystalline silicon cells and modules, thin film modules, and seals for cell manufacturing equipment. Two products--Tedlar, a moisture-protection backing for PV cells, and Solamet, a metallization paste used to improve the efficiency of silicon solar cells--have stood out as moneymakers for the chemical company.

As the largest U.S. chemical maker, DuPont also has the advantage of size; if there is a market for solar materials, the company has the resources to swallow it whole. And in fact, DuPont is taking a large piece of the market--in 2009, the market size for solar was approximately $30 billion. It is set to increase to at least $70 billion by 2013, according to Lux Research. By 2014, solar will become as efficient as conventional energy sources, and the market could grow even further.

The chemical giant plans to be ready. "DuPont is uniquely positioned to bring new, advanced technologies for future growth in traditional crystalline silicon and emerging thin film photovoltaic segments. We also are investing in greater production capability to help keep pace with the fast rising global demand," said David B. Miller, DuPont Electronics and Communications President.

Ariel Schwartz can be reached on Twitter or by email.