November 2023: Germany's Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics (Fraunhofer CSP) initiated the "Folie40" research project, aimed at exploring innovative encapsulation techniques and backsheet designs for photovoltaic (PV) modules with lifespans of at least 40 years. The project consortium includes German backsheet manufacturer Folienwerk Wolfen, Swiss module producer Meyer Burger, Spanish coating specialist Aluminum Féron, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE), and the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences.
October 2022: Enel Green Power secured USD 126 million in funding from the European Union Innovation Fund to support the project. The European Union anticipates that this funding will not only catalyze additional investments in related endeavors but also stimulate a resurgence of high-tech solar manufacturing in Europe.
One important achievement that should be pointed out is related to Endurans Solar and its growing US manufacturing base. The fundraising round was a success and was led by Riverbend Energy Group in February 2023 when the company filed for a significant equity investment of $xx. This investment seeks to boost Endurans Solar’s leverage capacity, particularly within US operations, while catering to other international markets, which include Europe. Such an increase in size is critical as it enables the company to satisfy increased market requirements for high-quality backsheets, which are indispensable parts of solar panels.
Endurans Solars strategic alliances with Worthen Industries and Riverbend, for instance, are key to boosting solar energy technology by creating products such as the recyclable Endurans HP backsheet.
In September 2024, Coveme SpA stepped up in its efforts to enhance its production capacity, being one of the leading manufacturers of solar backsheets in Europe. In its attempts to boost its research and strengthen its focus on developing sustainable backsheets, the company has been pursuing notable collaborations. Such action is in line with the European Union's strategy of lowering carbon footprints while improving the overall environmental paradigm.
The recent advocacy of the European Solar Charter by the European Commission promotes local production of photovoltaic cells. The Charter, signed in April 2024, calls for the participation of the national authorities and industry representatives of the 23 countries of the EU to adopt measures that enhance the competitiveness of solar products manufactured in Europe. This practice also includes projects that develop high-quality and durable solar backsheets.
Such initiatives are consistent with the EU’s objective of decreasing the dependence on solar panels sourced from abroad in general and China in particular and developing an independently operating solar market in the EU.
In November 2023, Germany's Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics (Fraunhofer CSP) was leading "Folie40," a research project that attempted to develop a new encapsulation and backsheet for PV modules with a lifecycle of at least 40 years. Partners/controllers of the project were Folienwerk Wolfen – a German manufacturer of backsheets; Meyer Burger – a Switzerland-based module producer; Aluminum Féron – a Spain company specializing in coatings; Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences.
