Company leverages decades of expertise to enhance aesthetics for BIPV

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--3M today announced the launch of two new products for use in the rapidly expanding building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) and residential markets: 3M™ Scotchshield™ Film 15T Black backsheets, and 3M™ EPE Film Black. When utilized in tandem, these products enable a more uniform black cosmetic appearance for BIPV systems.

With the 3M Scotchshield Film 15T Black backsheet, the company leverages the proven durability of its 3M Scotchshield Film portfolio of backside barrier films. These films provide exceptional moisture protection, heat resistance and UV stability in crystalline silicon PV modules. By pigmenting the top surface of the backsheet film, 3M offers a cosmetically appealing alternative to the industrial appearance of standard solar modules.

Combined with the 3M Scotchshield Film 15T Black during module fabrication, 3M EPE Film Black is used to cover unwanted cosmetic features, such as wiring, to provide the sleek, uniform module appearance critical for BIPV and residential applications.

“3M developed these film solutions to meet the needs of increasingly design-conscious customers around the world who want to realize the benefits of on-site solar energy without compromising the appearance of their buildings,” said Scott Norquist, Business Manager for the 3M Renewable Energy Division. “With decades of experience in key components and gigawatts of commercial installations from our 3M Scotchshield Film backsheet portfolio under our belts, it was a natural progression for these products to evolve to meet the needs of the industry and our customers.”

For more information on 3M’s portfolio of products for the solar industry, please visit: www.3m.com/solar.

About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $27 billion in sales, 3M employs about 80,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

3M Public RelationsColleen Harris651-733-1566orAntenna Group for 3M Renewable Energy DivisionKimberly Setliff415-977-1942kimberly@antennagroup.com