Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Saflex Photovoltaic Solutions

Section 1: Saflex Photovoltaic Business

Who is Saflex^®? Saflex^®, a unit of Solutia Inc., is the world's leading manufacturer of Poly Vinyl Butyral (PVB) interlayer. Solutia Inc. was formerly the chemical division of the Monsanto Company until becoming an independent company in 1997. Saflex has been manufacturing PVB for use in laminating glass for safety and security glazing systems for the past 70 years.

What is Saflex PVB? PVB is the short-hand designation 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 superior encapsulation of photovoltaic (PV) modules.

Why is Saflex PVB used in the manufacture of thin film photovoltaic panels? Saflex has unique properties that lend it to be the encapsulant of choice when producing thin film photovoltaic (TF-PV) panels. In addition to the proven chemical compatibility between Saflex brand PVB encapsulants and most TF-PV surfaces, TF-PV panels manufactured with Saflex grade Saflex PA61 PVB encapsulant can be processed with greater throughput and higher yields than with other adhesive systems. This is because Saflex PA61 is easier to handle than other encapsulants, thus increasing operator efficiency during the module production process.

I have read that PVB did not work well in PV applications? What has changed? In 1997, Saflex created a new formulation of PVB, our third generation formulation. The chemistry of this material was designed specifically to improve long term edge stability and durability of laminated glazing systems. This is of particular importance when using metal coated glass or in applications where the edges of the glass laminate are exposed to the natural elements. This chemistry differentiates Saflex brand PVB from others on the market, and makes Saflex particularly appropriate for use in TF-PV systems. The properties of Saflex PA61 have been further refined to improve TF-PV module production yields and efficiency.

What makes Saflex grade PA61 different from other Saflex products? Saflex PA61 is a higher adhesion product that is manufactured to and is tested against the rigorous PV industry standards, including electrical performance criteria.

Why should I select Saflex as my supplier of PVB? Saflex is the world's leading manufacturer of PVB. Your company will have seventy years of Saflex experience and global technical support backing up your on-site technical teams. Saflex expertise includes encapsulant design and manufacture to module production and logistics. We have developed PVB encapsulant products specifically to address the unique requirements of the TF-PV industry and can further optimize these products specifically for your application. Saflex has in place a worldwide supply chain for manufacturing and delivering PVB. Manufactured at seven plants locations on four continents, Saflex operates to a global quality standard for unmatched product consistency. Because we are the only manufacturer of PVB sheeting in the world who produces all the key raw materials (resin, plasticizer, and additives) that are used to make the interlayer, our ability to control product formulation and maintain consistency is unique.

Section 2: Saflex Photovoltaic Business Strategy

What is the Saflex strategy in the PV industry? With a commitment to remaining the leading supplier of PVB to the laminated glass industry, Saflex will concurrently develop and supply encapsulants to the fast growing global market of PV modules. We will continue to utilize our core competencies in product formulation and internal supply of raw materials to develop, as necessary, new products that optimize the production process and manufacturing cost of PV modules while demonstrating a higher quality compared to existing modules.

Is your new PV strategy going to affect the Saflex supply to the traditional automotive and architectural markets? No, this strategy will not affect the supply of traditional Saflex grades of PVB. Our ongoing investments in new capacity are and will continue to be adapted to the growth of the automotive, architectural and PV markets, worldwide.

Is the Saflex division going to build-up new and specific capacity for the production of PV interlayers? Our team of Technology, Manufacturing and Logistics experts constantly analyzes the current and future global supply-demand situation for all PVB markets in order to maintain adequate capacity to meet the demand for each of the key market segments.

From which plant will the new PV Saflex been sourced? The Saflex logistic organization continually optimizes a global supply plan by using customer provided forecasts and glazing market growth data. Saflex manufacturing plants are designed with the capability of producing the majority of our standard products. However, sourcing decisions are made to ensure operational efficiency and to ensure the highest possible level of supply service to all customers, regardless of market segment or world region. In the short term, the PV Saflex product, Saflex PA61, will be sourced out of the Trenton plant in North America, with plans in place for additional production from Ghent, Belgium by early 2009.

Have you created a new organization to support your entrance into the PV market? There is a global business segment team comprised of dedicated Business Management, Commercial, Technical Services, Market Development, Technology and Supply Chain representatives executing and managing this new Saflex strategy.

We have seen that Solutia is supplying the world's largest TF-PV production lines with Saflex PA61; is this product exclusively for these module producers or is the product available for sale to all customers? Saflex PA61 product is available to all TF-PV module makers in every world region. Saflex PA61 has a published price that is available to all PV fabricators.

Will I have to pay a premium for Saflex PA61? Saflex PA 61 has specific value added benefits required to achieve compliance with all module performance criteria (including IEC certification), as well as the specifications of the PV module construction. Saflex PA 61 provides benefits in both module durability and module production efficiencies that justify its value added position.

My company would like to start lamination of PV modules; can you help? Could we partner? A PV module can be made of different components through using different technologies. There is no barrier to prevent a company from working with the Saflex team to develop modules. However, you should keep in mind that the Saflex expertise lies mainly in the lamination process. Further, module production is typically a turnkey exercise with raw materials coming in and PV modules coming out. All production processes are integrated in a typical PV line to reduce costs and increase efficiencies. Potential manufacturers of PV modules and/or technologies are welcome to contact the Saflex Photovoltaic Market Development Team to discuss opportunities.

Can we have samples? Samples of Saflex are available; please contact your local Technical Service and Sales representative for ordering.

What is the price structure and minimum order size for the new PA grade? Saflex PA61, the only commercial Saflex product to date specifically designed for use in the manufacture of thin-film (TF) PV modules, is competitive with other encapsulants used in the industry. The minimum order quantity policy for Saflex PA61 is similar to the policies in effect for other grades of Saflex PVB. Please refer to the Saflex Photovoltaic Product Offering Brochure for pricing policies and minimum order quantities for your world area.

Section 3: Saflex Product Technology

Saflex PA61 is commercialized for thin film modules; is Saflex planning a similar introduction for mono and polycrystalline modules? By when? What will be the major differences? As part of Saflex's commitment to extend our leadership in the encapsulation market to the PV industry, we are committed to meeting the requirements of all segments of that market. In addition to the formulation of Saflex PA61 for the thin film PV market, Saflex is evaluating the possible development of formulation(s) for the encapsulation of mono and polycrystalline panels. As these evaluations progress, and further testing validates superior encapsulant durability and processabilty, commercialization of these products may be commenced. Inquires for additional information regarding these products should be directed to the Saflex Market Development Team.

What will be the future Saflex developments for the encapsulation of PV modules? The global PV industry is rapidly evolving. Saflex is committed to evolving with that industry, just as we have with the more traditional laminated glazing industry over the past 70 years. Our expectation is that as a global supplier of PVB to the PV industry, Saflex will contribute to the quality improvement and cost reduction of the PV panels, the 2 key driving factors in that industry.

What are the main differences between standard Saflex grades and the new Saflex PV grades? What are the main characteristics and performances of the new Saflex? 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.

How does the new Saflex differ from existing PVB used in PV applications? Saflex PA61 incorporates the unique chemistry that Saflex introduced in 1997 that has been used extensively in metal coated glass applications as well as outstanding durability in exposed edge applications. The commercial advantages of this third generation (IIIG) technology have been well documented in our standard grades of Saflex and have been extended to Saflex PA61.

Does the new Saflex comply with PV industry standards? Do you have certificates? Yes, 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 manufactures confirms the ability of Saflex PA61 to meet these standards.

PVB is not perceived as the best encapsulant for PV modules; what makes you believe that this perception will change and make Saflex successful? The perception of PVB as unacceptable for use in PV modules dates to before the 1997 introduction of this third generation of Saflex. This formulation change eliminated deficiencies that occurred in past PV modules made with PVB, and has opened the door for Saflex PVB to be used in PV module manufacture. The broad geographical and high global volume availability of Saflex PVB, along with its very competitive economics in the final assembled module, is changing preconceived ideas and leading the way for PVB to become the encapsulant of choice for the PV module manufacturing industry.

Notice: Although the information and recommendations set forth herein (hereafter "Information") are presented in good faith and believed to be correct as of the date hereof, neither Solutia Inc. nor any of its subsidiaries (collectively, "Solutia") makes any representations or warranties as to the completeness or accuracy thereof. Information is supplied upon the condition that the persons receiving same will make their own determination as to its suitability for their purposes prior to use. In no event will Solutia be responsible for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance upon Information or the product to which Information refers. Nothing contained herein is to be construed as a recommendation to use any product, process, equipment or formulation in conflict with any patent and Solutia makes no representation or warranty, express or implied that the use thereof will not infringe any patent. © 2009 Solutia Inc. SAFLEX® and SOLUTIA AND INFINITY LOGO® are trademarks of Solutia Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

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