3M to Expand its Ultra Barrier Solar Film Production Capability

3M, a company known for offering products for dissimilar markets, has declared the expansion of its 3M Ultra Barrier Solar Film production facility. The expansion which takes place at its plant in Columbia Missouri is expected to be concluded in 2011. The increased production will sustain the increasing demand for its highly productive flexible PV modules.

The 3M Ultra Barrier Solar Film is used as a substitute for the glass utilized in solar panels. The product offers increased level of light transmission reduces moisture formation and endures all types of weather conditions. The modules manufactured utilizing 3M solar film are light in weight and cover a larger area than the conventionally produced glass-glass modules. They drastically cut down the expenditure on the balance of systems (BOS) with reduced installation time, transportation expenditure and above all the 3M modules do not require separate metal racking. The 3M Ultra Barrier Solar Film also saves on manufacturing costs for the solar PV module producers by enabling them to produce large sized modules and by lessening the fixed costs normally associated with the uninterrupted roll-to-roll type of manufacturing process.

The company offers a number of renewable energy products by utilizing its years of proficiency in the manufacture of adhesives, tapes, films and products related to optical technology. The company has stretched its renewable energy products division in the recent years to meet the growing demand for such products.