3M

3M provides innovative solutions for the solar and wind industry and will bring to bear product solutions such as films, tapes, coatings, encapsulants, sealants and adhesives that help reduce the cost and enhance the efficiency of renewable energy generation and supply.

These solutions provide functionality for light management, environmental durability, thermal management and productivity improvement. The renewable energy business will draw on 3M’s technology base composed of 40-plus core technologies

Solar: 3M’s understanding of materials science has paved the way for breakthroughs in concentrating light. For example, 3M™ Solar Concentrator Lens Panels concentrate light and are manufactured to match customer specifications. 3M™ Mirror Films demonstrate potential to provide cost savings over similar glass-based systems. And other next-generation films provide durability and reliability required in solar panels, with added properties for ultraviolet stability, low flammability and self cleaning.

Wind: In the wind industry, 3M has provided solutions for more than a decade. For example, the company’s polyurethane wind tapes have been used extensively for protecting the leading-edge of wind turbine blades, and 3M’s abrasives and safety products have been used to enhance manufacturing efficiency and safety.