Thursday, July 02, 2009 at 2:15:25 PM - by Danny Vo

DuPont has announced that it will work with the U.S. government on a solar research program.

According to the company, it is participating in a $9 million research program to try to develop new photovoltaic products for homes and businesses. The funding for the program will use $3 million from the federal stimulus bill that passed earlier this year, while DuPont will contribute the rest.

One goal of the research is to develop an ultra-thin protective film that will protect photovoltaic panels from moisture damage. Researchers are working to develop a film that is 3,000 times thinner than a human hair.

"We are at a point in our history where we can no longer put off difficult decisions. Renewable energy is a necessity: Our job situation demands it, our economy demands it, and our national security demands it," said Delaware Senator Ted Kaufman.

The research is also aimed to producing more efficient and lightweight photovoltaic modules that are flexible and durable, with an initial focus on technology using copper indium gallium selenide components.