Reliable connectors for 1.5 kV photovoltaic systems – our new LNP™ Elcres™ copolymer from SABIC®
The market for high-quality photovoltaic solutions is constantly evolving. A current industry trend is the development of 1.5-kV PV systems to replace the previous 1.0-kV systems. The advantages are clear: in addition to increased efficiency, the most significant benefit is the reduction in system costs. On the other hand, however, the transition also leads to stricter performance and safety standards for all installed components and materials. One of the main requirements is high creepage resistance in accordance with UL PLC 0 and IEC Insulation Class I. This is the only way to ensure system voltages of 1,500 volts. With the new PC copolymer LNP™ Elcres™ EXL9334P from SABIC®, Plastoplan Kunststoffe can meet these challenges.
High-performance in every way: impact-resistant, dimensionally stable, weather-resistant, flame-retardant
Our long-standing partner took on the new challenges in the field of photovoltaics early on and developed a groundbreaking polycarbonate-based copolymer: LNP™ Elcres™ meets all the stricter performance and regulatory requirements for 1.5 kV solar systems. The PC copolymer ranks at the highest level of the Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) according to UL PLC 0 and complies with IEC Insulation Class I. The thermoplastic injection molding material is characterized by cold impact resistance down to -40°C, good dimensional stability, excellent long-term heat resistance, long service life, good weather resistance (UL 746C f1 listing), and the required flame-retardant properties (UL94 V0 at 1.2 mm). Furthermore, LNP™ Elcres™ offers design flexibility and, not least, serves as a high-performance alternative to glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide, polyphenylene ether (PPE), and standard PC, making it ideally suited for use in photovoltaic connectors.
“Developing a flame-retardant copolymer that achieves the highest CTI rating was difficult, but our experts rose to the challenge,” says Jenny Wang, head of SABIC’s APAC Formulation and Applications department. “The team combined innovative thinking with technical expertise to develop LNP™ Elcres™ EXL9334P, a copolymer that meets the most demanding requirements across all sectors. We will continue to work on new solutions to support the rapid growth and emerging technologies of the photovoltaic industry,” Wang promises.
