For decades solar energy has been captured using Photovoltaic technology through Silicon Wafers, which traditionally use EVA as an encapsulate. With silicon prices rising due to the demand in the hi-tech industry, Thin Film solar cell technology has come forward as a new solution for collecting the sun’s energy in this fast growing market.
Today, Saflex polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer has emerged as the preferred encapsulate material for use in Amorphous Silicon Thin Film solar cells. This is due to the inherent qualities Saflex brings to traditional laminated glass including: improved edge stability, adhesion, moisture content, durability and safety. In addition, the scalability of Saflex enhances production optimization, contributing to a lower "cost per watt" delivered cost.
How does it work?
Saflex PVB interlayers are used to laminate protective glass onto thin-film photovoltaic modules without effecting the durability or electrical properties of those modules. Trusted for 80 years in the Architectural and Automotive industries, glass laminated with Saflex provides excellent adhesion between the glass and the thin-film coating along with the safety, durability, impact and edge stability benefits of traditional laminated glass. Made of a tough, polyvinyl butyral interlayer, Saflex® naturally absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun, protecting the PV module from potential damage while allowing it to gather valuable power from the sun.
^^ Click to view cross section of a PV module. ^^
How is Saflex PVB different from the competition?
In 1997 Saflex created a new formulation of plasticized Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) interlayer that revolutionized the laminated glazing industry. The chemistry of this advanced interlayer was designed specifically for use in applications where the edges of the laminate are exposed to the natural elements and has been shown to be compatible with metal coated glass. This chemistry differentiates Saflex from other PVB interlayers on the market, and makes Saflex particularly appropriate for use in Thin Film Photovoltaic (TF-PV) systems. These properties have been further optimized into Saflex grade PA61 in order to improve TF-PV module production yields and efficiency.
In addition, no other interlayer provider is investing in new PVB capacity at the rate of Saflex. These investments span sites in Belgium, China, Mexico and the United States, significantly increasing capacity for Saflex PVB interlayer as well as Butvar® PVB resin (the key raw material used to make Saflex PVB interlayer). Saflex will continue to invest in PVB capacity and technology to meet the growing demands of our current and future customers across the architectural, automotive, and photovoltaic markets.
Today, the ever increasing awareness of the world’s energy crisis and continued dependence on oil has elevated the demand to utilize photovoltaic (PV) technology. Saflex interlayers have been shown to be effective interlayers for the production of thin film PV modules, which capture the energy in the sun, and translate it to energy for our everyday needs. With little impact on our environment, photovoltaic modules can be used at the residential and commercial level, in addition to solar farms and industrial applications.
Around the world, glass industry leaders trust Saflex when performance and durability are their most critical concerns. The reason for their confidence is simple. No matter what the specifications or performance targets, Saflex interlayer technology delivers high performance glazing alternatives for demanding applications.
Contact us today to see how our lamination experts and PVB technology can help you "let the sun shine in."
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