3M has announced the on-time completion of its manufacturing expansion for its 3M Ultra Barrier Solar Film in Columbia, Missouri. As the leader in transparent ultra barrier film technology, this expansion will support the growing demand for high efficiency flexible photovoltaic (PV) modules.

"This manufacturing expansion helps us support our customers' manufacturing scale-up plans by providing ample capacity to this growing market," said Derek DeScioli, Global Business Development Manager for the 3M Renewable Energy Division.

"With our new production equipment and continued product innovation, 3M is well positioned to not only increase the performance of our Ultra Barrier Solar Film, but also significanly drive down the costs, further enabling our customers to provide competitive photovoltaic solutions to the commercial rooftop market."

Designed to address the needs of flexible thin film solar manufacturers, 3M Ultra Barrier Solar Film acts as a replacement for glass with high light transmission, superb moisture barrier performance, and excellent weatherability.

Compared with rigid glass modules, large area, light weight flexible PV modules manufactured with 3M Ultra Barrier Solar Film can achieve significantly lower balance of systems (BOS) costs by requiring less installation time, removing the need for metal racking, and reducing logistics expenditures.

3M Ultra Barrier Films may also enable lower module manufacturing costs by allowing manufacturers to commercialize large area modules assembled in a continuous roll-to-roll process. 3M Ultra Barrier Solar Film is currently available in widths up to 1.2 meters and can be available in wider widths depending on market requirements.

3M's Renewable Energy Division offers a robust portfolio of new and existing products, bringing more than 100 years of combined expertise in coatings, film, tape, adhesive and optical technologies to the rapidly expanding renewable energy and energy efficiency markets worldwide. In addition to the company's world-class R and D facilities, 3M works closely with leading national labs to develop and refine its energy generation and energy conservation technologies.

3M has expanded its global manufacturing capabilities for Renewable Energy Division products several fold in recent years to bring key products to commercial-scale production to meet customers' growing needs.