Date: 15 April 2010
The new product, called Saflex(R) Radiant White PA27, represents a new class of value-added encapsulants and is based on collaboration between Oerlikon Solar and Saflex to rapidly drive thin film PV technology towards grid parity.
Unlike standard encapsulants, Saflex Radiant White PA27 is unique in that it continues to ensure long term durability of panels but also reflects light back through the module that is not initially absorbed by the active layers. Module manufacturers can expect panel efficiency to increase due to the higher reflectivity of white PA27 compared to other reflective technologies like white paint or metallic back contacts.
"We continually challenge all suppliers to aggressively deliver solutions to help make solar power economically viable around the world," comments Dai-Won Suh, Strategic Sourcing Manager for Oerlikon Solar. "Saflex exceeded our expectations by developing a new encapsulant that improved panel efficiency and further reduced material usage in record time."
Saflex PA27 is manufactured to an ultra-thin thickness of 0.51mm compared to standard PVB encapsulants which typically range from 0.76mm to 1.14mm in thickness.
To re-direct light back through the film for improved energy conversion, most solar modules utilize a reflective metallic stack or reflective white coat. Saflex PA27 incorporates the reflective benefits provided by these more traditional methods into the encapsulant giving module manufacturers a cost effective solution to increase solar panel efficiency and simplify the manufacturing process.
"We understand that Oerlikon Solar's customers expect long-term efficiency gains with Micromorph(R) PV technology," reports Christopher Reed, Saflex Global Business Director, Photovoltaics. "Working closely with Oerlikon Solar, we were able to develop an advanced reflective encapsulant for Micromorph manufacturers to help drive down cost and maximize productivity. This supports Oerlikon Solar's goal of making solar energy economically viable."
In addition to its reflective benefits, Saflex PA27 ushers in a new era of electrical insulation with a two-order-of-magnitude increase in bulk resistivity. This equates to significant improvements in the wet insulation resistance of the module, resulting in a reduction in current losses to ground and an increase in the power collected from each module.
Saflex PA27 is based on proven 3G PVB chemistry which was first introduced in 1997. Test results confirm Saflex 3G PVB to be less moisture sensitive which enables high adhesion especially at the edges, even as environmental conditions, including humidity, fluctuate. To learn more, please visit www.saflex.com/PA27 .
Notes to Editor: Solutia and Infinity Logo(R) and Saflex(R) are registered trademarks of Solutia Inc.
Micromorph(R) is a registered trademark of Oerlikon Solar AG
About Saflex(R) solar encapsulants
Saflex, a business unit of Solutia, serves the photovoltaic sector by developing durable encapsulating solutions for solar module production. With proven 3G PVB technology, an extensive global network of technical specialists, and the world's largest PVB manufacturing base for encapsulants, Saflex is uniquely positioned to help solve the challenges of a fast-growing, and ever changing, solar energy market.
About Solutia Inc.
Solutia is a market-leading performance materials and specialty chemicals company. The company focuses on providing solutions for a better life through a range of products, including: Saflex(R) PVB interlayer for encapsulated solar modules; CPFilms(TM) aftermarket window films sold under the LLumar(R) brand and others; and technical specialties including the Flexsys(R) family of chemicals for the rubber industry, Skydrol(R) aviation hydraulic fluid and Therminol(R) heat transfer fluid. Solutia's businesses are world leaders in each of their market segments. With its headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, the company operates globally with approximately 3,300 employees in more than 50 locations. More information is available at www.Solutia.com .
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