Dow expands production of ENLIGHT™ polyolefin encapsulant films used in solar panels

The Dow Chemical Company said it is adding capacity for its ENLIGHT™ Polyolefin Encapsulant Films. Two new manufacturing plants – one in Map Ta Phut, Thailand, and one in Schkopau, Germany, will be built in 2012. Together, these sites will more than triple the Company’s capacity for making specialty films used in photovoltaic modules, and will significantly expand the Company’s ability to supply encapsulant films worldwide.

Dow introduced the technology for ENLIGHT™ Films in August 2010. These innovative polyolefin films have demonstrated that they can help improve the reliability and performance of finished photovoltaic modules, possibly leading to a longer service life. These encapsulant films also allow fast processing speeds, which may help module manufacturers lower their conversion costs. ENLIGHT™ Polyolefin Encapsulant Films also have been listed as “Recognized Components” by Underwriters Laboratories.

“Converting solar energy into an efficient source of electricity is an area of expertise Dow will continue to develop,” says Brij Sinha, Global Market Manager for Photovoltaics, Performance Plastics. “Demand for photovoltaic modules has been growing at about 30 percent per year, and is expected to continue at this rate for the next several years.”

“The Schkopau facility will become part of one of Dow’s most important sites in Europe,” says Ralf Brinkmann, President of Dow in Germany. “Schkopau also happens to be nestled in the heart of Germany’s ‘solar valley.’” Brinkmann explains that this area is already home to more than a dozen companies that make photovoltaic modules and their components. He estimates that approximately 30-40 new positions will be needed at the site once the plant for ENLIGHT™ Films is up and running.

“The Map Ta Phut operation will be built with the latest energy efficiency techniques and supports our strategy to further enhance and expand our presence in Thailand,” says Jirasak Singmaneechai, Thailand Country Manager, who also indicated that 30-35 positions will be added. He also noted that the Thailand site is Dow’s largest manufacturing facility in the Asia-Pacific region, with excellent access to a seaport.