Press Release
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Honeywell develops material to protect photovoltaic solar cells in tough
environments
Helps meet growing demand for solar energy in Europe, Asia
MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J., May 6, 2008 -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today it
has developed a new material to protect photovoltaic (PV) solar cells in tough
environments.
The new product, called Honeywell PowerShield™ PV325, is a material that
protects PV modules -- including their critical components that convert
sunlight into electricity -- in all types of environments such as humid
conditions. It is UV-, moisture- and weather-resistant, and designed to also
withstand the electrical load produced by the modules, which can operate at up
to 1,000 volts of electricity.
Honeywell PowerShield was developed primarily for rigid PV modules, which are
specifically designed to feed power into a utility or local power grid. The
modules, which typically have a 25-year lifespan, serve as a reliable energy
source during utility-based power outages and can offset high-peak electrical
demands and associated costs.
“Initial results from independent performance testing have shown this backing
material meets the demanding needs of PV module producers,” said Jeff
Czarnecki, global business director for Honeywell’s specialty films segment, a
part of the Performance Products business. “We expect our barrier material to
be certified under the industry’s performance-based standard by the end of the
year.”
Czarnecki said the reflective white material is based on Honeywell’s
high-performance barrier film technology. Honeywell PowerShield has a
five-layer design that includes two outer protective layers based on
ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE) fluoropolymer film and a core
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer, as well as two inner bonding layers of
proprietary adhesive material. It will provide PV module manufacturers with an
alternative to poly-vinyl fluoride backing materials.
Demand for solar energy is growing in parts of Asia and Europe, where subsidies
enable customers to receive money per kilowatt of energy sold back to the grid.
The global photovoltaic industry generated about $17 billion in revenues in
2007, according to Solarbuzz™, an international solar energy research and
consulting company.
Honeywell has a history of innovation in high-performance transparent barrier
films. In addition to Honeywell PowerShield PV325, Honeywell manufactures
Aclar® fluoropolymer film for pharmaceutical blister packaging; Capran®
biaxially oriented nylon film, also known as biaxially oriented polyamide
(BOPA) film; Capran® heat stabilized nylon film; Aclon™ fluoropolymer resins,
which provide the highest moisture barrier of any clear thermoplastic resins;
and Honeywell PCTFE and PMP barrier films for industrial applications.
Honeywell also offers solar panel installation sales and services, and was a
supporting sponsor of the 2007 Solar Decathlon, an international competition
managed and fully sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.
For customer inquiries, please visit www.honeywellpowershield.com for
more information on Honeywell’s backing material for PV modules.
Honeywell Specialty Materials, based in Morristown, N.J., is a $4.9 billion,
global leader in providing customers with high-performance specialty materials,
including fluorine products; specialty films and additives; advanced fibers and
composites; intermediates; specialty chemicals; electronic materials and
chemicals; and technologies and materials for petroleum refining.
Honeywell International is a $37 billion diversified technology and
manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and
services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive
products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township,
N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London and Chicago Stock
Exchanges. For additional information, please visit www51.honeywell.com.
This report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than
statements of fact, that address activities, events or developments that we or
our management intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur
in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are
based on management’s assumptions and assessments in light of past experience
and trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other relevant
factors. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results,
developments and business decisions may differ from those envisaged by our
forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements are also subject to
risks and uncertainties, which can affect our performance in both the near- and
long-term. We identify the principal risks and uncertainties that affect our
performance in our Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Contacts:
Robert Donohoe
973-455-4114
robert.donohoe@honeywell.com
Sabine Chmielewski
+49 (0) 5137-999-9411
sabine.chmielewski@.honeywell.com
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