The Dow Chemical has announced that it has authenticated the performance of ENLIGHT polyolefin encapsulant films technology in order to help trap the sunlight and convert it to useful energy.
TÜV Rheinland in Germany conducted all performance-based test protocols on the crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules that are made using ENLIGHT polyolefin encapsulant films and found that it meets the IEC 61215 standards.
Mark Hofius, Dow Chemical’s leader of the R&D team stated that this performance validation of ENLIGHT films is a significant milestone. He added that the company’s research has demonstrated that the usage of ENLIGHT films in creating PV panels maintain the reliability of the module and expands the service life. The power loss in panels occurs after 2,000 hours, based on damp heat test results when traditional films are used. Power loss is not found in ENLIGHT film-based modules after 10,000 h.
These polyolefin encapsulant films can reduce the cost of module production. The panel manufacturers can employ faster processing speeds using ENLIGHT films. Hofius has stated that modules and equipment damage can be decreased, as this method does not produce acetic acid.
The company started the commercial manufacturing of these films in Ohio. It is currently constructing two additional plants in Germany and Thailand in order to triple the production of ENLIGHT films.
Dow Chemical is being to identify new technologies, which trap sunlight. The present products include metallization, adhesives, coolant and wafer cutting fluids, heat transfer fluids, texturizing, imaging and cleaning technologies for solar cells.
Source: http://www.dow.com/