FLEXOSKIN® barrier film for protection of flexible photovoltaics

The name says it all. Like a protective skin, the new FLEXOSKIN^® barrier film from Evonik Industries covers flexible photovoltaic modules to protect them against the adverse effects of wind and weather. Although FLEXOSKIN^® is highly transparent and transmits visible light; it blocks harmful UV radiation and also prevents penetration of moisture. In this way, the flexible barrier film performs a similar function to the heavy glass plates used for rigid modules.

The barrier film was introduced in Europe under its new brand name at the PVSEC photovoltaics trade show in Hamburg, Germany. The U.S. launch followed shortly after, at the Solar Power International trade show in Dallas, Texas.

Evonik's barrier film has been specially developed to meet the requirements of the photovoltaic's industry; bringing to the market a cost-effective product with high barrier properties. This combination of cost savings and product performance fills that gap in respect of currently available barrier films.

The material combination of FLEXOSKIN^® thus allows the use of flexible photovoltaics in locations where heavy, rigid modules cannot be used, as on flat roofs of large industrial halls and residential buildings that for structural reasons may be loaded only to a limited extent, on car roofs and backpacks, where the flexible photovoltaic modules can serve as mobile power sources.

FLEXOSKIN^® is currently being tested by various customers. Samples are available, also in the form of rolls with widths of up to 1200 mm.