PowerShield Protects Photovoltaic Modules that Convert Sunlight into Electricity for up to 25 Years- Case Studies - News & Events - Honeywell International PowerShield Protects Photovoltaic Modules that Convert Sunlight into Electricity for up to 25 Years Honeywell Sees Bright Future in Backing Solar Power Honeywell barrier films already provide protection for products ranging from sensitive electronics to the contents of your medicine cabinet. Now they're also protecting photovoltaic (PV) modules, including the components that convert sunlight to electricity. "Reception has been very positive," said Jim Bratcher, market segment leader for Honeywell's barrier films. "We launched PowerShield with about a dozen PV module manufacturers who confirmed that we are absolutely on the right track. In fact, a number of them have already placed orders for the PowerShield backing system." PowerShield is a natural extension of Honeywell's expertise in barrier films for other applications, said Jerry Buchanan, photovoltaic product leader. "PowerShield builds on Honeywell's long history of innovation in high-performance, transparent barrier films," Buchanan said. "The backing system is specifically engineered to protect solar modules under the harshest possible conditions and throughout their lifespan, which can be 25 years or more." The PowerShield system safeguards critical components from such hazards as sunlight, weather, moisture and humidity that can affect their performance. At the same time, PowerShield helps provide safe electrical insulation for the module. Honeywell's proprietary technology features a five-layer design that includes two outer protective layers, a core layer and two inner bonding layers. Modules using PowerShield have undergone independent testing to make sure they can withstand the hostile conditions at solar power installations, many of which are located in remote areas with harsh climates. PowerShield commercial backing systems enable PV modules to be certified under stringent solar industry performance standards. "Modules equipped with PowerShield backing systems have been put through extremely rigorous testing to meet the European standard, which is the world's toughest at this point," Bratcher said. Industry estimates predict that the demand for PV modules will grow about 30 percent per year for the foreseeable future. "This is one of Specialty Materials' most promising growth opportunities," Bratcher said. "We expect to develop a complete family of backing systems as part of a long-term commitment to this dynamic industry."