News
DSM acquires innovative light trapping technology for solar modules

Apr. 23, 2013 – Royal DSM, a global life sciences and materials sciences company, has announced it has acquired SolarExcel. Based in Venray in the Netherlands, SolarExcel has developed a proprietary light trapping technology that can significantly increase the efficiency of solar panels. With the acquisition DSM expands its growing portfolio of solar energy enabling technologies. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Apr. 23, 2013 – Royal DSM, a global life sciences and materials sciences
company, has announced it has acquired the SolarExcel. Based in
Venray in the Netherlands, SolarExcel has developed a proprietary light
trapping technology that can significantly increase the efficiency of solar
panels. With the acquisition DSM expands its growing portfolio of solar energy
enabling technologies. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

SolarExcel BV started in 2007 with the development of its proprietary
light trapping technology. This technology consists of a textured polymeric
sheet that can be laminated to the (glass) cover of a photo voltaic module. The
textured surface causes light to be guided towards the active layer of the
module, significantly reducing the loss of light caused by internal reflection.
The technology works under all angles of incidence and also improves the
efficiency of solar modules with a suboptimal orientation.

Although development is ongoing, the gain in module output is estimated to be
in the range of 6 to 12 per cent depending on the type of PV panel. In addition
to increasing panel efficiency, the technology potentially allows for cost
reductions through simplifications in module design.

The company will be integrated into DSM Advanced Surfaces, part of the DSM
Innovation Center. DSM Advanced Surfaces was established in 2010 to build a
portfolio of technologies to enable and improve the capture of solar energy.
DSM Advanced Surfaces currently is an important supplier of anti-reflective
coatings with its proprietary KhepriCoat product. KhepriCoat anti-reflective
coating for solar glass features best in class light transmission combined with
excellent outdoor durability. In 2012, DSM expanded the production capacity of
KhepriCoat at its site in Sittard-Geleen (Netherlands), responding to growing
global demand.

Ben Slager, CEO of SolarExcel says, “I am excited that SolarExcel has become
part of the DSM family and DSM is dedicated to further develop this promising light
trapping technology. With DSM’s broad and in-depth knowledge in materials sciences
and commitment to the solar industry, I am convinced that this technology will
make an important contribution in the worldwide growth of solar energy.”

Oscar Goddijn, VP DSM Advanced Surfaces
says, “The light trapping technology perfectly complements our portfolio. Light
trapping is the ultimate technology in optimizing the efficiency of solar
modules and therefore reducing the energy costs per unit (Wp) as well as increasing
its performance in use (kWh). We believe this technology to be a next step in
solar light management and expect strong interest from high end module makers.”

Solar energy is widely recognized as an important alternative and renewable
source of energy. Global installed photovoltaic capacity has reached 100GW by
the end of 2012 (data from European Photovoltaic Industry Association). This
can roughly generate 1 per cent of global electricity demand and compares to
100 large size nuclear power plants. Worldwide growth of the global
photovoltaic market is predicted to grow 10 to 20 per cent annually (EPIA).

Related Link
www.dsm.com