New polymers meet major challenges in solar industry, Evatane Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, Polyethylene Terephthalate, PET core layer

New polymers meet major challenges in the solar industry

Organic semiconductors are key materials that have a decisive role to play in making solar modules efficient. These materials must also meet very specific requirements, including processability and durability. Semiconducting polymers are complex chemical compounds that are created in intricate multi-stage synthesis processes. BASF has been pioneering these processes. The company has developed a semiconducting polymer Sepiolid P200®, that absorbs light in the solar gate modules to generate solar electricity. The advantages of organic semiconductor technology: such solar modules can be manufactured to be ultra-thin, flexible and even semi-transparent. In addition they produce high yields even when the light is diffused and irradiation angles are unfavorable. They are perfectly suitable for being integrated in buildings � even for curved surfaces and facades that do not face south, or in tensioned structures. A gate at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany, takes visitors to the energy generating world of the future. This futuristic structure consists of 85 individual transparent solar modules based on organic semiconductor materials from BASF. Along with smart, the urban mobility pioneer, and solar cell manufacturer Konarka, BASF is presenting for the first time a concept that allows polymeric solar cells to be used to add esthetic appeal in architectural applications: a concept suitable for urban energy generation. The structure marks the entrance to the smart urban stage, a series of exhibitions on �the future of the city� that centers on the smart future minds award.
Arkema has developed two new polymers and specific organic peroxide grades to address the major challenges in the solar industry. A solar panel has a lifetime ranging from 20 to 30 years and hence, the components in the panel have to provide excellent and long-lasting performance. The company has also developed a nanostructured thermoplastic for the next-generation thin film solar panels. Currently, polymers are key materials in several solar panel components and they are employed to cover the silicon cells and shield the electrical elements present at the rear side of the panel. Kynar polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and Evatane ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) are two innovative polymers that offer these features for a long term. In the design of a solar panel�s backsheet, Kynar PVDF acts as a major component. The material has exceptional resistance to UV, temperature and moisture. Arkema and Krempel, a German-based company, have partnered to develop a three-layer coat that includes the application of two Kynar layers on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) core layer. Evatane EVA is used to encapsulate the solar cells and it provides good adhesion over glass. This polymer prevents yellowing over time and offers high transparency. Luperox Solar are specific organic peroxide grades that decrease EVA curing time and accelerates solar panel throughput. Apolhya Solar is the recently developed thermoplastic polymer that is used to encapsulate thin layer PV module components. It integrates perfect transparency with creep resistance, adhesiveness and thermomechanical properties. Apolhya Solar prevents the need for curing, thus saving panel manufacturing process time.