The solar power market has been growing rapidly in the past decade, driven
by the need to find alternative energy sources. Photovoltaic technology has
the potential to turn barren desert into high value power plants, rooftops into
income, and to generate electricity in remote locations. However, the manufacturing
costs of modules in $/Watt are still too high and hence markets have been growing
most in regions with subsidies or favourable tariffs for electricity purchase.
As technology develops to reduce costs and improve conversion efficiency, new
materials are being tested for module and related components with durability
and long-term performance as critical measures. Photovoltaic systems are exposed
to extremes of weather including cold, heat, moisture and UV radiation. Polymers
are used in many components including encapsulants, backing sheets, frames,
sealants and adhesives, thin film substrates, glazing, fresnel lenses for concentrated
solar photovoltaics, photoactive components in organic photovoltaics, cable
insulation and connectors. These materials can offer direct benefits in terms
of performance and overall economics including assembly and mounting, as well
as increased flexibility for applications such as building integrated photovoltaics
and portable solar cells for charging electrical devices.
AMI is bringing together module manufacturers and polymer experts at an international
conference focused on Polymers
in Photovoltaics, which takes place from 20-22 April 2010 at the Maritim
Hotel in Cologne, Germany. The opening presentation is from BP Solar, one of
the top companies in solar power worldwide with an active role in new manufacturing
developments. There are performance requirements for polymers in photovoltaics,
with TÜV Rheinland taking a lead in certification in Europe and the Underwriters
Laboratories with directories of approved components for North America.
High performance polymers are being used as substrates including polyimides
from Nexolve, which are also being tested as cover glass replacements. Another
versatile polymer is PMMA from Evonik Degussa, with applications in glazing,
concentrated photovoltaics (using lenses to focus the light) and as an encapsulant
for thin films.
Several materials are in use as encapsulants including PVB from Solutia, EVA
from Lanxess Deutschland and silicone from Dow Corning. Comparative studies
have been carried out by companies such as Specialized Technology Resources
(STR). Sealants and adhesives play a critical role in integrity and there are
specialists in this field such as Koemmerling Chemische Fabrik, and Henkel with
electrically conductive adhesives. 3S Swiss Solar Systems specializes in production
technology and has looked at the use of polymers in lamination of multicrystalline
and thin film photovoltaics.
Modules are protected by back sheets from companies such as Krempel, which
supply a range of products. Fluoropolymers are used here, often in layers with
other polymers; suppliers include Arkema, DuPont and Saint-Gobain Performance
Plastics. Polyester is available from DuPont Teijin Films and is also finding
use as a substrate. The supportive frame of modules is traditionally made of
metal. However, BASF has developed polyurethane frames with module manufacturers,
with cost benefits overall.
Crystalsol is developing single crystal/polymer composite solar cells.
Cables for photovoltaics are subject to heat and UV irradiation, so this is
a very specialist field. PolyOne has produced compound which meets the certification
standards, while Kemmler Consulting is studying the differences in polymer in
this type of cable.
Polymers in Photovoltaics 2010 brings together photovoltaic module and component
manufacturers, researchers and test institutes, together with suppliers to the
industry, and end users. This event provides a unique opportunity to network
with top experts and examine photovoltaic manufacturing innovations and challenges.
Posted November 16th, 2009
