All PVB is not Created Equal

What is PVB?
Invented in the 1930's, PVB is an industry abbreviation for plasticized Poly Vinyl Butyral (PVB) sheet. It is formed by combining PVB resin with a plasticizer (and other proprietary ingredients) and forming the mixture under heat and pressure into a thin sheet. This interlayer, provided in roll form, possesses unique properties necessary for encapsulation of photovoltaic (PV) modules. The current product available for Photovoltaic Solar Modules is Saflex® PA61. The primary characteristic of Saflex PA61 that differentiates it from standard grades of Saflex is that it is specifically formulated to be able to meet additional norms and standards imposed on PV modules, including resistivity.

The Next Generation PVB
In 1997, Saflex created a new formulation of PVB. The chemistry of this new encapsulant was specifically designed for improved long term edge stability and durability in encapsulated systems. This is of particular importance when using metal coated glass or in applications where the edges of the encapsulated module are exposed to natural elements. This breakthrough formulation change has opened the door for Saflex PVB to be the preferred encapsulant in certain Thin Film solar cell technologies. The broad geographical and high global volume availability of Saflex PVB, along with its very competitive economics in the final assembled module, provide a compelling case for the use of Saflex as the encapsulant in modules.

Solar modules made with Saflex® PA61 have been shown to comply with PV industry standards. Certificates are granted to module manufacturers rather than the encapsulant supplier but the commercial operation and sale of PV modules made with Saflex by current module manufacturers confirms the ability of Saflex PA61 to meet these standards. Saflex is the only encapsulant to be IEC certified for thin film amorphous silicon panels produced with nip-roll autoclave encapsulation processes.

Today, Saflex Photovoltaic solutions offer skill, scalability and speed to help module manufacturers more efficiently and rapidly develop modules for the solar energy market.

Long term product durability
Encapsulation process technology & technical service for highest yields and throughput
Sufficient resin and sheet supply to support global customer base contributing to the lowest cost per watt produced in all world areas
Technology and know-how transfer to new customers unfamiliar with encapsulation
Product development pipeline to meet dynamic market needs

A Product to Trust
For more than 80 years, Saflex^® has been recognized as the world's leading supplier of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer technology for laminated glass. We provide PVB interlayers for nearly 50% of the world's laminated glass applications. Our unparalleled experience and expertise in developing innovative interlayer technology is why architects and automotive designers have used Saflex for decades; and why Saflex brand PVB is the only PVB interlayer certified for use in laminated glass for specialty aircraft windshields.

Using the vast knowledge gained in these specialty applications, Saflex has developed a specialized product with the physical and chemical properties that Amorphous Silicon Module Makers require. Technologies allowing improved resistivity characteristics, edge stability, module durability, and overall productivity during module production have been incorporated into the Saflex Photovoltaic products.

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