The Meyrin Photovoltaic Application Laboratory at the DuPont European Technical Center will add new capabilities to this leading R&D hub by developing the next generation of products for the fast growing photovoltaic market.

DuPont opened the Meyrin Photovoltaic Application Laboratory at its European Technical Center in Geneva, adding new capabilities to its R&D hub.

The new facility will operate as an open center, enabling technological exchanges and research collaborations between DuPont and customers, industrial partners, institutes and academia. In other words, it is designed to advance solar module design, accelerate time to market in PV innovation and deliver cost-effective, high-performance solutions for the industry.

A new innovative building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panel system that replaces tile or slate roofs is an example of open innovation. This new innovation was developed in collaboration with DuPont Building Innovations, DuPont Performance Polymers and industry partners to improve the ease and speed of installation, increase energy efficiency, and make sure the building doesn't look much uglier with the panels installed. The system was initially developed for the French market where it will be commercialized in Q1 2010. In a second phase, the product will be commercialized in other Southern European markets.

Finally, in case you care to know, the new facility has been opened with a presence of over 50 representatives from the PV industry and government leaders.

[source: DuPont]