In June 2026, Dow introduced a new series of fast-curing photovoltaic-grade polyolefin elastomer (POE) products for solar module encapsulation films, designated as XUS 38691.00 and XUS 38698.00. The series is specifically designed to resolve core pain points related to long-term reliability in high-efficiency photovoltaic modules, offering the industry an encapsulation solution that balances cost reduction, efficiency improvement, and quality enhancement.
As photovoltaic modules continue to evolve toward higher power and greater efficiency, the intermediate POE layer in EPE (EVA-POE-EVA) films has been increasingly thinned. This thinning, combined with additive migration and other factors, can lead to reduced crosslinking density, increasing the risk of edge delamination and power degradation. Dow's new fast-curing POE products address this challenge through an optimised crosslinking system that significantly improves the crosslinking retention rate of the intermediate POE layer in EPE films. This effectively resolves issues of edge delamination and power loss that tend to occur after high-temperature, high-humidity ageing, thereby safeguarding the long-term reliability of modules.
The new product series offers four core performance advantages. First, it delivers faster crosslinking speed, responding more sensitively to the crosslinking system to achieve full curing within a shorter lamination cycle, which significantly boosts production efficiency and reduces manufacturing costs. Second, it requires lower additive dosage, enabling excellent crosslinking performance with minimal additive addition, effectively mitigating gel residue and reducing slipping issues in pure POE films. Third, it provides higher processing efficiency, with superior rheological properties and stable extrusion performance that support high-speed film production lines, optimise thickness control, and increase throughput. Fourth, it ensures greater long-term reliability, combining excellent anti-PID (potential induced degradation) performance, moisture barrier capability, and weatherability to deliver more stable encapsulation protection under harsh conditions such as high temperature and high humidity.
In recognition of these innovations, Dow's new fast-curing photovoltaic-grade POE resin received the "Top 10 Highlights" TeraWatt Award at the 2026 SNEC (International Solar Photovoltaic and Smart Energy Exhibition). Prior to that, the product had already won the 2026 Ringier Technology Innovation Award. These consecutive industry accolades underscore the product's technological leadership in the photovoltaic encapsulation field.
The new offering builds on Dow's long-standing expertise in the ENGAGE™ series of POE products, which are based on the proprietary INSITE™ metallocene catalysis technology. With over three decades of continuous innovation, this platform combines rubber-like flexibility with plastic processability. The newly launched fast-curing series represents Dow's latest advancement in photovoltaic encapsulation materials, further expanding the application boundaries of the ENGAGE™ product portfolio.
