Shanghai, China, April 17, 2012 – Solvay Specialty Polymers and Rhodia Engineering Plastics’ complementary portfolio of products and services allow China OEMs of solar energy modules and components to meet the escalating growth of photovoltaic (PV) installations.
PV components have to perform consistently at the highest level over a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, while fulfilling extremely rigorous worldwide standards. The laboratories at Solvay-Rhodia’s R&D Center in Shanghai are UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified which authorizes the company’s Chinese teams to undertake the testing and evaluation of fire resistant materials.
“Rhodia’s Technyl® flame-retardant range fully meets the technical, regulatory and cost-performance requirements necessary to photovoltaic component manufacture,” says James Mitchell, Global Fire Resistance Business Manager for Rhodia Engineering Plastics. “Technyl® Halogen Free photovoltaic grades guarantees UV resistance and long-term weatherability, very good electrical performance and low temperature ductibility, ideal for junction boxes and connector applications. The UL certification of our Shanghai laboratory provides an important competitive advantage in meeting the rapid growth of the Chinese PV market,” he added.
Complementary products for PV end-use from Solvay Specialty Polymers include Halar® ECTFE for front-sheet films, which ensure durable optimal light transmission, while for back-sheet laminates both Halar® ECTFE and Solef® PVDF offer moisture barrier hydrolysis protection, long-term weatherability and UV stability. In addition, Cogegum® GFR and Polidiemme® cross-linkable Halogen Free Flame Retardant materials are perfectly adapted for PV cabling, offering high fire and tear resistance, as well as flame retardancy, excellent UV resistance and long-lasting weather protection.
“Continuous opportunities for solar energy growth are not only in China but also in the wider Asian markets and even further afield in those countries which have adopted policies promoting renewables,” commented Qiang Zhou, PVDF/ECTFE Business Development Manager Greater China & SEA for Solvay Specialty Polymers. “This places China as one of the world’s largest manufacturers of modules and components for the global photovoltaic industry.”
The 12th Five-Year-Plan anticipates increasing China’s PV installation targets from 10 to 15GW by 2015 and up to 50GW by 2020. Domestic PV demand in 2011 elevated China to the third biggest PV market globally.
Solvay Specialty Polymers and Rhodia Engineering Plastics are exhibiting together at Chinaplas (April 18-21) for the first time. Come and visit us in Hall N1, Booth D41.
Technyl® is a registered trademark of Rhodia, member of the Solvay group. Halar® ECTFE, Solef® PVDF, Cogegum® and Polidiemme®cross-linkable compounds are registered trademarks of the Solvay Group.
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SOLVAY is an international chemical Group committed to sustainable development with a clear focus on innovation and operational excellence. Its recent acquisition of specialty chemicals company Rhodia created a much larger player, which is realizing over 90% of its sales in markets where it is among the top 3 global leaders. Solvay offers a broad range of products that contribute to improving the quality of life and the performance of its customers in markets such as consumer goods, construction, automotive, energy, water and environment, and electronics. The Group is headquartered in Brussels, employs about 29,000 people in 55 countries and generated EUR 12.7 billion in net sales in 2011 (pro forma). Solvay SA (SOLB.BE) is listed on NYSE Euronext in Brussels and Paris (Bloomberg: SOLB.BB – Reuters: SOLBt.BR).
CONTACTS
Scott PR (Shanghai, China)
Jacky Cheng
+86 21 6155 6521
jacky.cheng@scottpr.cn
Industrial Media Relations (Namur, Belgium)
Alan Flower
+32 474 117091
alan.flower@indmr.com
Rhodia Engineering Plastics (Lyon, France)
Jérôme Pisani
+33 4 26 19 70 87
jerome.pisani@eu.rhodia.com
Solvay Specialty Polymers (Bollate, Italy)
Alberta Stella
+39 02 3835 6671
alberta.stella@solvay.com
