Anti-reflective coating for glass improves light transmittance
MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J., Sept. 21, 2009 -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON)
Electronic Materials announced today a new material that improves the
efficiency and power output of photovoltaic (PV) panels.
The new product, called Honeywell SOLARC, is a transparent coating material
that improves the light transmittance through the glass that covers PV panels,
thus increasing the PV module efficiency and power output. This coating also
significantly reduces glare from the glass, allowing the PV panels to better
blend with its surroundings.
“SOLARC has already demonstrated the highest efficiency of any anti-reflective
coatings, or ARCs, commercially available today,” said Dmitry Shashkov,
marketing director for Honeywell Electronic Materials. “This is another example
of Honeywell applying its materials expertise, developed from 50 years of
innovation for the semiconductor industry, to meet the challenges of the PV
industry.”
Most commercially available PV panels today lose approximately 4 percent of
their potential power output due to light reflection from the front surface of
the cover glass. In addition to the decreased electricity generation, the glare
from the reflection light is considered aesthetically undesirable, especially
in residential rooftop installations.
SOLARC coating reduces reflection significantly, resulting in more light
reaching the solar cell, which translates into higher electricity output. While
use of such anti-reflective coating is relatively low in the PV industry today,
it is widely expected to become the industry norm over the next few years,
according to the major PV manufacturers.
Honeywell’s SOLARC, which is a liquid-based coating, can be used by all common
types of PV modules. However, it provides the most benefits to rooftop
installations, where space is limited and any increase in efficiency is
critical. Because SOLARC coating reduces glare from the glass, it also
contributes to a discreet, blend-in look of residential PV panels that has
become very desirable to consumers installing the panels.
The coating is compatible with many coating processes, including spray, roller,
curtain, slot-die and spin-on coating. Unlike other commercially available
ARC’s, Honeywell SOLARC does not require mixing of two components prior to
deposition, and has at least a six month shelf life.
Demonstrating a 4 percent increase in transmission at 550 nanometers,
Honeywell’s SOLARC has demonstrated a very good response across a broad solar
spectrum that is relevant for PV cell operation, from 350 nanometers through
1,100 nanometers. SOLARC coating has also demonstrated superior durability in a
broad variety of accelerated tests designed to imitate harsh environmental
conditions to which a PV panel is likely to be exposed during its
lifetime.
Furthermore, environmental testing of SOLARC coating has shown that it provides
additional protection to the glass, especially under hot and humid conditions
that may lead to gradual glass deterioration. The coating has been further
optimized to enable anti-soiling and self-cleaning functionality that prevents
dust accumulation. This represents another valuable property of SOLARC, as
solar panels lose on average 7 percent of their power output due to particulate
contamination, according to the California Energy Commission.
Honeywell’s SOLARC is based on proprietary technology and is validated by
strong internal development processes and recognized industry test methods and
laboratories.
The release of SOLARC coating further broadens Honeywell’s portfolio of
materials for the PV industry, which already includes backing sheet laminates,
dopants, solar-grade electronic chemicals, and precision thermocouples. For
more information, please visit: http://www.honeywell.com/eupvsec.
Honeywell Specialty Materials is a global leader in providing customers with
high-performance specialty materials, including fluorine products; specialty
films and additives; advanced fibers and composites; intermediates; specialty
chemicals; electronic materials and chemicals; and technologies and materials
for petroleum refining.
Honeywell International (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100
diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide
with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes
and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials.
Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York,
London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on
Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.
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Media Contacts:
Peter Dalpe
973-455-4908
Peter.Dalpe@honeywell.com
Alexandra Pribilovics
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