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.

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.

An inverter’s role in delivering high availability and low LCOE for a new era of utility-scale solar

20 October 2021

Utility-scale solar is evolving, shaped by higher power modules and demand for increasingly lower levelised cost of electricity (LCOE). Those trends are also changing project requirements elsewhere, with inverters capable of delivering high power density and power capacity in strong demand. In this webinar, FIMER will detail how its innovative high-power, multi-MPPT string inverter and modular conversion solution can both meet those demands and transform the utility-scale solar sector for the better.

Global Race to Zero Summit 2021

20 October 2021

The race is on but we need to sprint… With global climate talks fast approaching and time running out to prevent the most disastrous impacts of climate change, now is the time to act. The Summit will explore the opportunities that emerge from taking action on climate change and provide a clear pathway forward for governments, citizens and companies. Taking place just 10 days before the G20 meeting in Rome, on 30-31 of October, and in the lead up to the critical COP26 meeting in Glasgow from 31 October–12 November, this event will be instrumental in influencing ambitious global action.

How simplistic tracker design can deliver competition-busting cost benefits

10 November 2021

The solar tracker market continues to mature at breakneck speed, with designs and component selections becoming ever-more complex in the pursuit of better project economics. But a more simplistic design could deliver a triple benefit of lower Capex, EPC and Opex costs. This webinar will set out the ideal single axis tracker design for utility-scale solar farms. The design leapfrogs from decades of experience, with a comprehensive understanding and attention to the three cost structures of Capex, EPC and Opx. Sun and Steel Solar has prototyped a single axis tracker designed to deliver up to US$0.03/W in real savings compared to existing single axis trackers on the market. That’s US$30 million for every gigawatt deployed.

Metallization and Interconnection Workshop

15 November 2021

The 10th edition of the famous Metallization and Interconnection Workshop, MIW2021, will take place in the Thor Central venue in Genk, Belgium, on Monday, November 15, and Tuesday, November 16, 2021 as a face-to-face meeting. We are longing for direct exchange of knowledge and ideas after a long time. Hopefully you can be part of it! But of course, the organizors will keep an eye on the evolution of the Covid pandemic. It will be assess carefully, whether the workshop can be held without major risks or excessive restrictions. We are looking forward to exciting talks, discussions and meetings and to welcoming you in Genk!

Solar & Storage Live 2021

23 November 2021

The solar, storage and EV industries in the UK are going from strength to strength. There is no better place for the community to meet, share ideas and do business than Solar & Storage Live from 23-25 November at the NEC.There’s something for everyone; more than 150 exhibitors, a high-level conference, a start up and innovation zone, a poster zone, strategic partners to network with and much more. 

PV ModuleTech

1 December 2021

Understand fully the technical and logistical supply chains that determine the production and performance of solar modules, including all related factors impacting quality, reliability & bankability. This event will be run online with streamed content, access to session recordings and chat/messaging tools for delegates to connect.