Solar film slitting

The photovoltaic industry needs precision-slit films

The photovoltaic industry is growing worldwide at double-digit rates. Europe is investing heavily in expanding its own solar module manufacturing capacity, driving increasing demand for precisely converted films for module production. Whether PV backsheet, EVA encapsulation film, or POE encapsulant: every layer of a solar module must be cut to exact dimensions to ensure cells are reliably protected and modules deliver their full performance for decades. Gotthardt Isolierteile (GOBA) has specialized in the precision slitting of technical films and web materials since 1962. With a tolerance of +/- 0.1 mm, master rolls up to 1,600 mm wide, and decades of experience handling sensitive materials, we are your partner for solar film contract slitting: reliable, flexible, and ISO 9001-certified.

Materials we slit

Manufacturing high-quality solar modules requires a variety of different film types. Each layer serves a specific function, from electrical insulation to moisture protection to mechanical stability. At GOBA, we slit all common solar films to your desired widths and lengths.

PV backsheet films

PV backsheets form the rear side of the solar module and protect the sensitive solar cells from moisture, UV radiation, and mechanical effects. We process:

• Tedlar-based backsheets (TPT, TPE): The classic premium solution with fluoropolymer layers for maximum weather resistance and a lifespan of over 25 years
• PET-based backsheets: Cost-effective alternative with good electrical insulation and moisture barrier, frequently used in standard modules
• PP-based backsheets: Lightweight polypropylene backsheets for special module designs and cost-optimized applications

EVA encapsulation films (encapsulant)

Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) films are the most widely used encapsulant in photovoltaics. They enclose the solar cells and provide a transparent, durable embedding. Slitting EVA films requires special care, as the material is sensitive to contamination that can later lead to delamination or yellowing.

POE films (polyolefin encapsulant)

Polyolefin elastomers are gaining increasing importance as an alternative to EVA. POE films offer lower water absorption and better PID resistance (Potential-Induced Degradation). We slit POE films precisely and contamination-free to your desired dimensions.

Additional solar films

• TPO backsheets: Thermoplastic polyolefin backsheets combine good moisture barrier with cost efficiency
• Insulation films for solar modules: Electrical intermediate insulation within the module assembly
• Frame sealing tapes for PV modules: Self-adhesive sealing tapes for sealing the module frame against moisture and dust
• Fluoropolymer films: PVDF and ETFE films for high-performance modules with extreme UV and weather resistance

Technical capabilities for solar film slitting

Precision for sensitive PV materials

Solar films place special demands on the slitting process. Many of these materials are UV-sensitive, react to contamination, and must not be stretched or thermally stressed during slitting. At GOBA, we have specifically designed our processes for handling such demanding materials.

Our technical specifications

Contamination-free slitting

Although a cleanroom is not required for slitting solar films, we work under controlled conditions that prevent contamination of film surfaces. Clean cutting tools, a dust-free environment, and careful material handling are standard practice for us. This is crucial because even the smallest particles on EVA or POE films can lead to inclusions during the lamination process that impair module performance in the long term.

Handling UV-sensitive materials

Many PV films, especially EVA and certain backsheet types, are UV-sensitive before processing. We store and process these materials under conditions that prevent premature UV degradation. Finished rolls are packaged in light-protected wrapping to fully preserve material quality until further processing at the customer site.

Flexible core and roll sizes

PV module manufacturers work with different machine types and therefore require film rolls on various core diameters. We deliver on 25 mm, 55 mm, 76 mm, and 152 mm cores, suitable for your lamination lines and processing machines.

Application examples in the photovoltaic industry

Mono- and polycrystalline solar modules

Standard solar modules made from mono- or polycrystalline silicon cells require precision-slit EVA films as encapsulant and backsheets as rear cover. Film widths must be precisely matched to module formats so that during the lamination process, neither material is missing nor excess material causes quality problems. GOBA slits these films to standard module widths and delivers them roll-ready for your production line.

Thin-film solar modules

With thin-film technologies such as CdTe, CIGS, or amorphous silicon, different module formats and therefore different film widths are often used compared to crystalline modules. Additionally, special encapsulation films with adapted optical properties are sometimes required. Our flexible slitting technology makes it possible to produce even unusual widths precisely and economically.

BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics)

Building-integrated photovoltaics places particularly high demands on the flexibility of film converting. BIPV modules come in many different formats, from facade elements to roof tiles to semi-transparent modules for windows and canopies. The films required for these applications must be slit in custom widths and lengths, often in smaller quantities than for standard modules. This is exactly where GOBA leverages its strength in flexible small batch production.

Flexible solar modules

Flexible and lightweight solar modules for mobile applications, vehicle roofs, boats, or portable systems use special thin backsheets and encapsulant films. These materials are particularly sensitive and require a gentle slitting process without mechanical stress on the film. With our experience in handling thin and sensitive materials, we slit these films reliably and without quality loss.