The additional capacity is expected to be on stream by the end of 2012 at the Chemelot site in Geleen, the Netherlands. The need for additional coating supply is a direct result of the fast growing market for solar energy.

KhepriCoat® anti-reflective glass coating is an IP protected product, developed by the DSM Innovation Center. The coating is primarily targeted at solar applications. The coating – a thin layer with a thickness of approximately 100 – 150 nm – is applied to the cover glass of solar modules and strongly reduces the reflection of sun-light. As a result, more sun-light passes through the glass, increasing the energy output of these modules by up to 4%.

Solar energy is widely recognized as an important fast-growing alternative and renewable source of energy. Although by the end of this year, worldwide 100GW of PV capacity will be installed (source: EPIA global PV market outlook until 2016) generating around 100TWh, solar energy still has a huge potential for significant further growth.

Oscar Goddijn, VP of DSM Advanced Surfaces, says: “We are convinced that DSM can provide a significant contribution to the efficiency of this rapidly growing energy source. KhepriCoat® is recognized by the market for its best-in-class anti reflection properties in combination with an excellent outdoor durability, meeting the strict standards of the solar industry. The market’s accelerated adoption of our KhepriCoat® coating is the reason for increasing our manufacturing capacity.”

DSM Advanced Surfaces is one of the three Emerging Business Areas (EBA) of the DSM Innovation Center. These EBA’s are the growth engines for new business as part of the ’DSM in motion’: driving focused growth strategy. DSM’s science-driven innovations help protect and improve the environment by improving energy and resource efficiency and by pioneering the development of alternative and renewable chemicals, materials and energy.

KhepriCoat® anti-reflective glass coating on solar panels at DSM.
(Photo: DSM Innovation Center)

 
DSM - Bright Science. Brighter Living.™
Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM’s 22,000 employees deliver annual net sales of around €9 billion. The company is listed on NYSE Euronext. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.

 
For more information:

 
Leo Smit 
DSM Innovation Center
Tel. +31 (46) 4763559
E-mail leo.smit@dsm.com

 
Anouk Luykx
EMG
Tel.: +31 164 317 017
E-mail: aluykx@emg-pr.com