Honeywell PowerShield 3W – PV module backing system

Honeywell announced that they have developed PowerShield 3W – third-generation laminate film designed to protect photovoltaic panels from harsh environments. It is a cost-effective backsheet for photovoltaic panels that protects the electrical circuits in solar panel modules, preventing moisture from entering the module and keeping electrical charges within the module, thus ensuring maximum power output while maintaining electrical safety.

In our news and articles about photovoltaic panels, we usually focus on efficiency and breakthroughs in different achieved with different types of solar panels. On the other hand, the lifespan of photovoltaic panels greatly varies from type to type, and while some of the mentioned technologies manage to operate for a couple of years, other currently available photovoltaic panels manage to operate for up to 25 years.

PowerShield 3W is a laminate that is bound by a proprietary adhesive specifically designed for photovoltaic applications. The adhesive helps make the laminate the most durable backsheet available from Honeywell to date. It is a durable multi-layer structure consisting out of:

• outer protective layer of proprietary, weather- and chemical-resistant fluoropolymer barrier film formulated and produced by Honeywell
• 1 core dielectric layer selected for intended system working voltage, low shrinkage and resistance to electrical breakdown, embrittlement and discoloration in outdoor exposure
• 2 inner-layer bonds provided via a proprietary hydrolytically-stable adhesive
• 1 outer reflective and UV-durable thermoplastic layer to bond to module encapsulants

“We are committed to developing solutions that increase the performance and overall lifetime of solar panels. Honeywell’s latest innovative backsheet, PowerShield 3W, provides solar panel manufacturers with cost-effective and reliable protection for their modules”, said Jerry Buchanan, global business manager for Honeywell’s photovoltaic backing systems business. “This backsheet has been proven to perform in some of the most rigorous conditions.”

Independent photovoltaic-industry laboratory tests show that PowerShield 3W can withstand more than 3,000 hours of accelerating aging exposure at 85°C (185°F) and 85 percent relative humidity without losing structural integrity.

The backsheet’s adhesive offers excellent resistance to discoloration due to aging, which helps solar modules retain their appearance and reflectivity. PowerShield 3W offers high resistance to environmental degradation from sunlight, heat, cold and humidity. It also provides strong resistance to acids, bases, solvents, salts and other chemicals, as well as resistance to excessive moisture infiltration within a module.

The Honeywell PowerShield supply chain provides module makers with a single point of contact for every component of their backsheet, helping ensure a reliable supply and quality. PowerShield 3W is available now, and leading module manufacturers are already including it in module designs.