Scotchshield Technoloy for Solar Panels (image from 3M)
A quarter century ago, scientists at 3MTM first started developing solar energy and mirror films; it was a pioneer in the industry. Today, the company is making major investments in new plastic film production for solar and other renewable energy tech.
For use in crystalline silicon PV modules, revolutionary 3M ScotchshieldTM Film will be manufactured in Singapore. The American corporation has two primary goals: to lower the cost and improve efficiency of solar cells. In fact, 3M has dedicated an entire Renewable Energy Division for R&D in this energy sector. Already, it produces films, tapes, coatings, encapsulants, sealants and adhesives for solar energy, wind energy, geothermal and biofuel businesses.
A U.S. patent was awarded for the new Scotchshield Film in December 2009. A multilayer film will be applied to the back of a solar cell during the PV module lamination process, in order to improve its protection. The 3M film is superior over previous designs with respect to both cost and ease of application.
The layers of the Scotchshield solar film include semi-crystalline fluoropolymer on the outside (.5 to 5 millimeters thick), a polyester intermediate layer (1-10 mils) and an outer polyolefin layer (1-20 mils). Thickness of the individuals layers will be variable based on specific requirements.
Scotchshield solar film is one of several solar and other renewable energy products under development by 3M, which promise to have a major impact on the industry.
Tags: 3M, performance solar cells, plastic film production, PV modules, renewable energy tech, scotchshield, scotchshield film, solar film
