Greentech Lead America: The Dow Chemical Company has
launched new polyolefin-based technologies that help solar panel makers harness
the power of the sun and turn it into cost-effective energy to help address the
world’s growing needs.
The ENLIGHTTM Polyolefin Back Encapsulant Composite
Films use patent-pending technology to create a single structure that
provides “2-in-1″ functionality, serving as both the back encapsulant and
backsheet for solar panels. It offers excellent module protection.
The next-gen ENLIGHT Polyolefin Encapsulant
Films also offer excellent electrical insulation properties, increased
resistance to the effects of Potential Induced Degradation (PID) and extended
module efficiency levels.
Developed for rigid crystalline silicon (c-Si)
photovoltaic modules, these sophisticated composite films serve as both the
back encapsulant and backsheet. The use of these “2-in-1” structures can
provide significant processing and performance advantages.
“We are committed to finding new and innovative ways to
leverage the capabilities of polyolefin technology for the most demanding needs
of this industry,” said Brij Sinha, associate director of Global Strategic
Marketing for Dow’s Photovoltaic business. “We are using what we learn
from working closely with leading module manufacturers around the world to
design new products that help enable them to make panels with improved
processing, enhanced performance and lower total lifetime systems costs.”
The solution eliminates delamination, improves
electrical insulation and offers higher levels of moisture resistance. As a
result, Dow can help customers improve performance, increase production
efficiency and reduce working capital. ENLIGHT Back Encapsulant Composite Films
can help reduce total lifetime system costs for PV modules.
Dow’s innovative coextrusion technology for ENLIGHT
Polyolefin Back Encapsulant Composite Films produces a smooth composite film
with three seamlessly integrated layers: outer, bonding and encapsulant. It
also helps overcome delamination that can occur between separate encapsulant
and backsheet layers and eliminates potential incompatibility between these
components, helping to assure improved module performance.
“Dow continues to demonstrate its commitment to the solar
panel industry by bringing new technology to the marketplace – and by backing
that commitment with manufacturing capacity to deliver these innovative
polyolefin films to customers across the globe,” said Jerry Pritchett, global
business director for Dow’s Photovoltaic Business.
“We now have two plants in operation — one in the USA and
one in Thailand – and are working on a third in Germany,” he continued. “We
also have a sizable commitment to R&D and technology development, backed by
Dow’s incredible expertise in polyolefin technology for this dynamic and
growing market.”
editor@greentechlead.com