Evonik, 10X Technology Form Photovoltaic Manufacturing Alliance

Evonik Cyro LLC, a leading manufacturer of acrylic sheet and molding compounds, and bulk and performance monomers, and 10X Technology LLC, an emerging company that develops micro- and nano-structured polymer substrates, are forming an alliance to commercialize novel materials for the photovoltaic market.

The companies will initially focus on co-developing lenses that improve the performance of a range of energy-related products from solar energy systems to interior lighting.

“By combining Evonik’s global manufacturing capabilities and materials expertise with 10X’s capabilities to produce highly precise micro-structures, we enable a wide array of functionally-enhanced products,” said John Rolando, President of Evonik Cyro LLC and Head of Performance Polymers North America. “Our acrylic products including Acrylite® can now include structural elements designed to perform specific functions, such as concentrating sunlight in a solar cell system or improving the quality of overhead lighting in an office environment. We’re excited about the range of possibilities that this alliance creates.”

Among the products that the companies will co-develop are solar concentrator lenses, which improve the efficiency of solar cell systems by focusing sunlight on a selected area of semiconductor material. Concentrated Photovoltaics (CPV) is a rapidly emerging field within the solar industry and is expected to increase conversion effectiveness and the relative energy output for a given area of space.

“One of the great challenges for industry today is to increase the relative efficiency of the material we produce and consume,” said Bob Pricone, President of 10X Technology. “Plastic or glass can function as the exterior surface of a solar cell system, but just imagine if that same surface could also concentrate sunlight. In the same dimensional space, we could increase energy production by several multiples. This is a great example of how to improve the efficiency of renewable energy sources while also reducing the carbon footprint. We are excited to be working with Evonik.”

Through the alliance, Evonik and 10X will optimize the photovoltaic lens production process from polymer to the finished lens - providing seamless, one stop shopping for customers.

Evonik and 10X will also provide a stronger warranty. “For us, the warranty is not only what’s written on paper, but the experienced and knowledgeable people behind it,” Rolando added. “Our warranty is something other companies cannot duplicate.”

For additional information about Evonik Industries in North America, please visit our website: www.evonik.com/north-america.

10X also has ongoing development efforts for applications of micro and nano-structured polymer substrates in other industries including medical/consumer health, electronics, energy, government/military and transportation.