US-based Solvay Specialty Polymers (Alpharetta, Georgia; www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com) has expanded its position in the solar market with the launch of two film grades of its “Halar” ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE) for photovoltaic (PV) modules. The two new high-performance products, “Halar” PV ECTFE and “Halar” ECTFE ultraviolet (UV) blocking technology, have been specifically designed for front sheet applications, extending Solvay’s penetration of this growing market where it is already a key supplier of “Solef” polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and Halar ECTFE for PV back sheets.

The Halar UV blocking technology is the only solution of its kind in the industry, said Solvay. It offers the same properties as the PV grade but also delivers long-lasting UV blocking performance to meet the solar industry’s 25-year performance life. The “Halar” PV film grade is a highly viable alternative to competing materials such as glass and other fluorinated polymers, offering greater fire resistance, higher tensile modulus and lower density than its direct competitors, the company added.

Global market manager for film, Philippe-Jacques Leng, said: “With our broad product portfolio we are firmly positioned as a strategic supplier to the global PV market and this new launch signals our further commitment to the industry. We believe this is a highly sustainable market that requires specially designed materials to meet the PV industry’s high-performance needs.”

Amcor Flexibles (Hawthorn, Victoria; www.amcor.com), Solvay’s first partner in developing PV front sheet technology, is launching films based on Halar ECTFE technology.