Borealis, Europe’s second largest producer of polyethylene and polypropylene, entered the solar industry in 2018 with its own polyolefin (PO) based encapsulant films under the brand name Quentys™, and is also supplying speciality polypropylene (PP) compounds for solar backsheets. The company is now developing solar power installation projects at their own production sites across Europe as part of the company’s goal to source 50% of its electricity from renewable sources. Thomas Van De Velde, SVP Hydrocarbons & Energy, Base Chemicals and Operations, states: “We are currently preparing a number of feasibility studies and projects in most of our production sites and are particularly excited as the solar panels will be equipped with our Quentys encapsulant, a reliable technology providing higher power output over the lifetime of the modules.”
More sustainable modules
Alper Muraben, Head of Solar in Borealis, is enthusiastic about the development: “The solar industry in Europe is setting up efficient supply chains to provide low carbon footprint solar modules. By producing our polymer and films in Europe we already minimise transport emissions. When our plants move to renewable power supply, the Quentys encapsulant films will get an even lower carbon footprint.” Muraben explains that Quentys encapsulant films have more ways to enhance sustainability for the module producer: “With our thermoplastic (non-crosslinking) films, module makers can reduce energy consumption per module by laminating at lower temperatures and pressure while reducing the cycle time by up to 50% in comparison with traditional encapsulant materials. On the other hand, circularity of the PV modules is a topic where the industry must find efficient solutions. Together with partners, we are investigating how our materials can make PV module recycling more efficient and less energy intensive”.
