ASCA organic photovoltaic film modules were first produced at a pilot encapsulation plant and a prototyping, integration and functional characterization plant. ARMOR decided to enter a new phase by investing in new automated encapsulation equipment in order to increase volumes and be able to produce photovoltaic films with a larger surface area.

The encapsulation process constitutes a key step in the production process of photovoltaic modules. One of the elements in the encapsulation of solar cells requires them to be aligned in series or in parallel for functional reasons while creating electrical insulation and protection against external factors, such as humidity and oxygen. The encapsulation process is a highly technical operation incorporating nine key steps that determine the quality and longevity of the module.

ARMOR commenced R&D work to design and develop new automated production technology for encapsulation and for the preparation of organic photovoltaic (OPV) modules. This new automated production equipment offers automatic cutting, encapsulation of the photovoltaic modules and bespoke formats. This production mode will provide more competitive cost levels and guarantee product quality and repeatability.

The R&D work conducted by ARMOR also enables the company to study the impact of automating the encapsulation steps, to optimize process and product characteristics and to adapt the photovoltaic product to the existing industrial plant. Until now, no industrial encapsulation process has been tested on organic photovoltaic modules.

This 8.5-million-euro project is being funded by ARMOR with the support of the Pays-de-la-Loire region and the European Regional Development Fund.