New Product: Saflex develops ultra-thin reflective solar encapsulant with Oerlikon Solar

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Product Briefing Outline: Saflex, a business unit of Solutia, has launched the Saflex Radiant White PA27 encapsulant, which was developed in collaboration with Oerlikon Solar to improve conversion efficiencies of its tandem-junction ‘micromorph’ thin-film module technology. Saflex PA27 is manufactured to an ultra-thin thickness of 0.51mm compared to standard PVB encapsulants and is the first ultra-thin reflective PVB encapsulant available for use in the solar market.

Problem: Traditionally, the role of encapsulants is to ensure long-term durability and performance of solar panels by protecting critical electrical components from rain, heat, and humidity; however, the material is expensive and passive in nature in relation to improving cell or module efficiencies. Currently, most solar modules utilize a reflective metallic stack or reflective white coat to redirect light back through the film for improved energy conversion, adding to the process steps and manufacturing costs.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Solution: Saflex PA27 is manufactured to an ultra-thin thickness of 0.51mm compared to standard encapsulants, which typically range from 0.76mm to 1.14mm in thickness, thus resulting in a material reduction of 33% to 55%, respectively. It incorporates the reflective benefits provided by more traditional reflective material layers into the encapsulant, giving module manufacturers a cost-effective solution to increase solar panel efficiency and simplify the manufacturing process. Saflex PA27 also has improved electrical insulation with a two-order-of-magnitude increase in bulk resistivity. This equates to significant improvements in the wet insulation resistance of the module, leading to a reduction in current losses to ground and an increase in the power collected from each module. Test results confirm Saflex 3G PVB to be less moisture sensitive, which enables high adhesion especially at the edges, even as environmental conditions, including humidity, fluctuate.

Applications: Thin-film modules.

Platform: Saflex PA27 is based on proven 3G PVB chemistry, which was first introduced in 1997. PA27 is RoHS approved, both IEC certification and UL testing pending.

Availability: April 2010 onwards.

Read Next

September 10, 2025
Japanese solar cell manufacturer Toyo Solar has sold 1.6GW of solar PV cells in the first half of 2025, driving revenue of around US$139 million.
September 10, 2025
The CEFC has said that a coordinated approach to transmission in Pilbara, Western Australia, could save more than AU$30 billion over 25 years.
September 9, 2025
Iberdrola has signed a 77MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with Italian grocery retail group Selex Gruppo Commerciale.
September 9, 2025
Nautilus and Summit Ridge Energy secured major financing deals to expand community solar projects across multiple US states.
September 9, 2025
The US is forecast to reach between US$55-60 billion in clean energy tax credit monetisation in 2025, according to a report from clean energy financing technology platform Crux.
September 9, 2025
The average price of solar modules sold in Europe fell marginally between July and August, while buyers’ confidence remained steady.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines