3M completes manufacturing expansion of solar film at Missouri plant
3M advised that it had completed its manufacturing expansion for its Ultra Barrier Solar Film, on-time, in Columbia, Missouri, allowing the company to help support the increasing demand for high efficiency flexible PV modules. 3M’s Ultra Barrier Solar Film acts as a replacement for glass and is said to provide high light transmission, excellent moisture barrier performance and weatherability.
“This manufacturing expansion helps us support our customers’ manufacturing scale-up plans by providing ample capacity to this growing market,” said Derek DeScioli, global business development manager for the 3M Renewable Energy Division. “With our new production equipment and continued product innovation, 3M is well positioned to not only increase the performance of our Ultra Barrier Solar Film, but also significantly drive down the costs, further enabling our customers to provide competitive photovoltaic solutions to the commercial rooftop market.”
According to 3M, its solar film technology can achieve lower BOS costs by requiring less installation time, eliminating the need for metal racking and reducing logistics expenditures. Further, the company contends that its Ultra Barrier films may also lead to lower manufacturing costs by letting manufacturers commercialize large area modules assembled in a continuous roll-to-roll process. The Ultra Barrier Solar Film is available in widths up to 1.2 meters and can be made available in wider widths depending on market requirements.
-Syanne Olson
