Saint-Gobain’s encapsulant is designed for flexible and lightweight solar modules

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Product Briefing Outline

Saint-Gobain Solar has launched a new ‘LightSwitch’ portfolio of solutions, including LightSwitch Frontsheet, LightSwitch Encapsulant, and LightSwitch Frontsheet Complete, as well as a design program for photovoltaic module manufacturers. A high-performance and durable alternative to conventional materials, LightSwitch film products provide PV module manufacturers with enhanced performance, durability, and a reduction in total systems cost. The LightSwitch design program was developed to assist module manufacturers in bringing a lightweight PV product to market.

Problem

PV module manufacturers are seeking new materials that retain performance criteria for long-life but also enable new products to be developed to meet different applications.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Solution

LightSwitch Frontsheet Complete is a pre-laminate that incorporates two Saint-Gobain Solar products — LightSwitch Frontsheet ETFE and LightSwitch Encapsulant EVA — in one convenient package. Frontsheet Complete delivers on the benefits of its two components, as well as improvements in productivity and reduced cost .LightSwitch Frontsheet is a melt processable fluoropolymer providing superior weatherability and UV resistance, ideal for flexible and lightweight solar modules. Tough and reliable, these highly transparent films offer improved resistance to chemicals and weathering, low flammability, stress crack resistance, and insulating properties. It is also surface-treated to ensure superb adhesion to LightSwitch Encapsulant. LightSwitch Encapsulant provides cushioning and structural support to solar cells and circuitry, while maximizing transmission of sunlight for energy conversion. With outstanding weathering properties, it protects the solar module throughout its lifecycle.

Applications

LightSwitch Encapsulant provides cushioning and structural support to solar cells. LifeSwitch Encapsulant is suitable for both flexible and rigid modules, with excellent adhesion to other PV module components.

Platform

The portfolio also includes the LightSwitch Module Design Program and expert engineering design services for PV module manufacturers. Saint-Gobain Solar offers LightSwitch customers the combined experience and expertise of its design engineers and materials science experts, developing lightweight modules that meet exact customer specifications.

Availability

September 2010 onwards.  

Read Next

July 7, 2025
The board of REC Silicon is running out of time on a buyout offer by Korean conglomerate Hanwha previously dismissed as "lowball".
Premium
July 7, 2025
Collecting project performance data and managing cybersecurity concerns is no simple task for many project managers.
July 7, 2025
ReNew has received a non-binding final acquisition offer from a consortium at US$8 per share, which is 13.2% more than their earlier offer.
July 7, 2025
Chinese energy giant China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation, also known as Sinopec, has commenced operations at a 7.5MW offshore floating PV plant in China.
July 7, 2025
GameChange Solar has announced plans to supply trackers for the 1GW second phase of the Abydos project in Egypt.
July 7, 2025
Private equity firm Ardian has completed the acquisition of French independent power producer Akuo, a transaction unveiled in March 2025.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 22, 2025
Bilbao, Spain
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK