3M Ultra Barrier Solar Film Manufacturing

Last week, technology company 3M  announced the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Columbia, Missouri, for its 3M Ultra Barrier Solar Film. As a key component supplier to the thin film solar industry, the expansion will support the growing demand for high efficiency flexible PV modules.

Derek DeScioli, Business Manager for the 3M Renewable Energy Division, commented on the announcement:

“3M once again demonstrates the value it brings to the rapidly expanding renewable energy sector by bringing our high-performance Ultra Barrier Solar Film to commercial-scale production.  3M is a recognized leader in ultra barrier film technology, and we are committed to accelerating our efforts to support the scale-up of our thin film manufacturing customers.”

3M Ultra Barrier Solar Film has been designed to be a glass replacement in thin film solar panels.  Solar module manufacturers can use the solar film instead of glass for additional flexibility, and lower weight panels that can be installed in less time with high light transmission, superb moisture barrier performance, and excellent weatherability.  In addition, PV panels manufactured with 3M Ultra Barrier Solar Film do not need metal racking, which reduces logistics expenditures.  With 3M Ultra Barrier Film, manufacturers can commercialize large area modules, effectively reducing fixed costs associated with module manufacturing, assembled in a continuous roll-to-roll process.

3M Ultra Barrier Solar Film is the result of more than a decade of development in transparent barrier technology, as well as over 45 U.S. patents and patent-pending applications covering construction, materials and processes.  The company  plans to begin high-volume production of the Ultra Barrier Film to supply 3M’s global thin film solar customer base, including manufacturers throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.

Scotchshield Technoloy for Solar Panels (image from 3M)

A quarter century ago, scientists at 3M^TM 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 Scotchshield^TM 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.