Saflex(R) Introduces Embossed Solar Encapsulant for Photovoltaic Market

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --  Saflex, a business unit of Solutia Inc. (NYSE: SOA), announces the launch of a new encapsulant designed specifically to improve solar panel throughput and processing costs for solar module manufacturers that use the vacuum encapsulation process. The product, Saflex® PG41, is a new thin gauge encapsulant that utilizes embossing technology and marks the latest addition to a fast growing PV encapsulant portfolio for Saflex.

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Embossing is a mechanical technology that creates 'micro channels' on the surface of the encapsulant. These channels provide a quick and efficient manner to remove air during the vacuum encapsulation process. "It follows the same logic as having treads on a tire," comments Christopher Reed, Business Director for Saflex Photovoltaics. "By embossing the surface, we're providing a means to speed up the vacuum encapsulation process which then increases throughput and ultimately lowers processing costs."

Saflex pioneered embossing technology during the 1990's to improve the vacuum lamination process for manufacturers of automotive windscreens. "Our company has been innovating products for decades for use in automotive and architectural applications. We're now bringing this scale and expertise to the photovoltaic market; embossed technology is yet another example of what can bring to module manufacturers," continues Reed.

Embossing also pulls more air out of the module which improves yields by reducing visual defects due to air bubbles trapped in the encapsulant. This may be especially important for aesthetic applications, including Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), where optical quality and appearance is a critical product attribute.

Saflex PG41 is a follow up product to the recently launched Saflex PA41 thin gauge PVB encapsulant. Like PA41, material usage of PG41 is reduced by 33% by thinning the encapsulant from 1.14mm to 0.76mm. PG41 is also based on proven 3G PVB chemistry which is proven to be less moisture sensitive especially at the edges, even as environmental conditions, including humidity, fluctuate.

The new Saflex PG41 is the latest addition to a fast-growing portfolio of innovative encapsulants designed specifically for photovoltaic applications. Saflex, a business unit of Solutia, provides solar encapsulants to the solar energy market supported by an 80 year history of manufacturing excellence, global technical support, and the world's largest PVB manufacturing base for glazing applications. To learn more, please go to www.saflex.com/PG41 .

Notes to Editor: Saflex® is a registered trademark of Solutia Inc.

About Saflex® Solar Encapsulants

Saflex, a business unit of Solutia, serves the photovoltaic sector by developing durable encapsulating solutions for solar module production. With proven 3G PVB technology, an extensive global network of technical specialists, and the world's largest PVB manufacturing base for encapsulants, Saflex is uniquely positioned to help solve the challenges of a fast-growing, and ever changing, solar energy market.

About Solutia Inc.

Solutia is a market-leading performance materials and specialty chemicals company. The company focuses on providing solutions for a better life through a range of products, including: Saflex® PVB interlayer for encapsulated solar modules; CPFilms™ aftermarket window films sold under the LLumar® brand and others; and technical specialties including the Flexsys® family of chemicals for the rubber industry, Skydrol® aviation hydraulic fluid and Therminol® heat transfer fluid. Solutia's businesses are world leaders in each of their market segments. With its headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, the company operates globally with approximately 3,100 employees in more than 50 locations. More information is available at www.Solutia.com .

Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "intends," "plans," "estimates" or "anticipates," or other comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. These statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions about the industries in which Solutia operates. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or achievements to be materially different from the future results or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those risk and uncertainties described in Solutia's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including under "Cautionary Statement About Forward Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors", and Solutia's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. These reports can be accessed through the "Investors" section of Solutia's website at www.solutia.com . Solutia disclaims any intent or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in response to new information, unforeseen events, changed circumstances or any other occurrence.

SOURCE Solutia Inc.