Dow Chemical Company will more than triple capacity for its “Enlight” polyolefin encapsulant films used in photovoltaic modules, with the construction of two plants including one in Thailand in 2012.
The Thai plant will be located in Map Ta Phut, Rayong.
Introduced in 2010, the films help improve the reliability and performance of finished photovoltaic modules, possibly leading to a longer service life.
“Converting solar energy into an efficient source of electricity is an area of expertise Dow will continue to develop,” says Brij Sinha, Global Market Manager for Photovoltaics, Performance Plastics. “Demand for photovoltaic modules has been growing at about 30 per cent a year, and is expected to continue at this rate for the next several years.”
Paul Curtin, Associate Technology Director for Specialty Films, said that the new plant designs will be based on technology used at the initial manufacturing site in Findlay, Ohio, which began production in December 2010.
“The Map Ta Phut operation will be built with the latest energy efficiency techniques and supports our strategy to further enhance and expand our presence in Thailand,” said Jirasak Singmaneechai, Thailand Country Manager.
The Thailand site is Dow’s largest manufacturing facility in the Asia-Pacific region, with excellent access to a seaport.
