Arizona is regularly selected for weathering
testing of photovoltaic materials and modules owing to its dry, sunny climate.
It is also one of the optimum locations for solar energy farming. In view of
this, the next AMI international conference on Plastics in Photovoltaics
2012 will be held September, 19-20 at The Hyatt Regency Phoenix, Phoenix,
AZ, USA. Appropriately, the event starts with a review from Professor Dauskardt
of Stanford University on the challenges for plastics in photovoltaics,
followed by Solaria describing research data from polymer aging studies.
This conference provides the ideal
opportunity to review the latest developments in polymer materials for solar
applications including back sheets, front sheets, and encapsulants, alongside
advances in manufacturing technology. Encapsulants are critical for protecting
the silicon component. EVA is the most commonly used – the Fraunhofer CSP in
Germany has looked at alternative methods of crosslinking the polymer while
KraussMaffei Berstorff has developed new equipment for extrusion and sheeting
this material. There are alternative polyolefin materials developed by the Dow
Chemical Company.
Long-term durability of renewable energy
technologies is critical to their establishment in the marketplace. Both BASF
and Imerys have developed additives to improve polymer performance in
photovoltaics. In terms of measurement, Atlas Material Testing Technology is a
leader in the field of weathering. Insurers are looking for certification
of modules before agreeing premiums. There are now attempts to reach
harmonization of global standards between the different certifying bodies, such
as IEC (represented here by Sunset Technology) and UL. The Fraunhofer
Center for Sustainable Energy in the USA has also looked at the property
requirements for PV modules. Meanwhile, TUV, which also provides
certification, has become so concerned about fake products entering the market
that it is developing a “fingerprinting” system of authentication.
The latest innovations include the SBM Solar
modules, which are commercialized no-glass structures, and durable polymer
films from the 3M Company. As conditions for solar panels vary around the
planet and in outer space, so requirements for modules vary. Evonik Industries
has looked at backsheets for the harsher conditions. Green means totally green
for Biosolar, which has generated biobased backsheets. Meanwhile, Daikin America
has continued a study comparing the performance of different backsheet
materials, and Coveme is questioning whether it is necessary to use
fluoropolymers. Solvay Specialty Polymers supplies into this industry and has a
range of suitable plastics.
What is the ideal material? What are the
economic solutions for enduring quality and where is the scientific evidence to
guide manufacturers? Rather than emphasizing the theoretical and academic
aspects, Plastics in Photovoltaics 2012 focuses on the real-world optimization
of manufacturing in the solar power industry. Join the leading experts to
debate successful solar photovoltaic engineering with polymer materials at Plastics
in Photovoltaics 2012, September 19-20 in Phoenix, AZ.