FLEXcon Provides Backsheet for Spire’s New Low Cost and UL Certified Bill of Materials

FLEXcon Applies their Product and Industry Know-How to Develop a new Master UL Certified Solar Module BOM

SPENCER, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FLEXcon, an innovator in adhesive coating and laminating, has collaborated with Spire Corporation (Nasdaq: SPIR) and Arkema Inc., to develop a new photovoltaic module design and bill of materials (BOM). The BOM recently achieved the Master UL Listing by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL). This newly approved BOM is the third to be added to Spire’s recommended BOM’s which, when adopted can result in cost savings for the solar module manufacturer. FLEXcon selected a FLEXcon multiGUARD^® UL approved backsheet as a critical component of the solar module design.

“Backsheets are a key component to building a safe and effective solar module design”

Spire is a global solar company providing capital equipment and turnkey manufacturing lines to produce photovoltaic modules. They also provide engineering, procurement and construction integration services for solar systems. Arkema, a leading supplier of photovoltaic materials solutions including its Kynar® Film products, worked closely with FLEXcon to develop the FLEXcon multiGUARD backsheet and provided support in selecting the components for the BOM. This module will provide Spire’s customers with a greater selection when choosing a module design and BOM that is pre-approved by UL.

UL is a global independent organization that conducts safety testing and certification of products. Photovoltaic (PV) systems integrators require UL 1703 certified PV modules due to the high safety and quality standards of their installed PV Systems. UL has tested and evaluated Spire’s solar module design and determined that it meets the UL 1703 standards for safety and performance. Spire customers can receive the UL mark of approval within three weeks as opposed to a typical four months lead time from competitors that do not have the UL listing. In addition, start-up costs to enter the U.S. market can be significantly lower for Spire customers.

“Backsheets are a key component to building a safe and effective solar module design,” said Michelle Ostiguy, Director, Photovoltaic & Barrier, FLEXcon. “Spire’s customers can be confident that they are deploying a module using a BOM that is UL certified, low cost and offers the most readily available components of the highest quality. FLEXcon is proud to have worked with two industry leaders, Spire and Arkema to deliver this exciting offering to the marketplace.”

About FLEXcon

FLEXcon is an innovator in adhesive coating, laminating and finishing of durable materials used in graphics applications, electronics and new products. Through a culture of curiosity, flexibility and a drive for excellence, FLEXcon is the trusted partner to a wide range of companies from printers and fabricators to engineers and designers developing products for existing and emerging markets. Headquartered in Spencer, Mass. the company has operations throughout North America and Europe with distribution worldwide. For more information, visit www.FLEXcon.com or call 1-508-885-8200.

About Spire Corporation

Spire Corporation is a global solar company providing capital equipment and turn-key production lines to manufacture PV modules. For further details on the Company and its products, please visit www.spirecorp.com.

About Arkema, Inc.

Arkema, Inc. is a global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer. For more information, visit www.arkema.com.