Laser weldable grades combining flame retardancy and weatherability: New launch by SABIC
Last update on May 13, 2026
Designing enclosures for photovoltaic microinverters and junction boxes involves a set of simultaneous requirements that have historically been difficult to satisfy within a single thermoplastic system: UL94 V0 flame retardancy at thin wall, long-term outdoor weatherability, mechanical integrity at elevated temperatures, and assembly processes compatible with high-volume production targets.
SABIC has introduced two grades – NORYL™ V0150TW (absorptive) and V0150IR2 (transmissive) – which the company describes as the first laser-weldable thermoplastics developed specifically for photovoltaic applications, combining flame retardancy, weatherability, and sealing performance within a laser-welding-compatible material system.
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Reduces weight by up to 35 percent compared to metal
The performance profile reported by SABIC for both grades covers the core qualification criteria relevant to exterior PV components. According to the company, the resins meet UL94 V0 5VA at 1.5 mm wall thickness, support up to 15 years of outdoor service, and maintain mechanical integrity up to 150°C.
Compared to metal enclosure alternatives, SABIC reports that the material enables part size reduction of up to 40 percent, weight reduction of up to 35 percent, and material usage reduction of up to 30 percent.
As Sergi Monros, vice president of SABIC Polymers Specialties BU, frames the development context: "To address expanding global adoption of solar energy, SABIC is developing new specialty materials that expedite mass production of components and meet rigorous performance requirements. Our laser-weldable NORYL V0 resins offer important advantages over metal and polymers traditionally used for enclosures – from faster, cleaner assembly to extended service life under harsh conditions. We're confident that these unique materials will help increase availability and adoption of the solar photovoltaic infrastructure."
Reduces cycle times and lower system costs
The laser-welding capability is the assembly-process differentiator that directly addresses throughput constraints at scale. Conventional ultrasonic welding of PV component enclosures relies on curing-dependent bonding materials that introduce cycle time dependencies.
According to SABIC, a shift to laser welding eliminates those bonding materials, reducing cycle times and lowering system costs – a relevant consideration for microinverter manufacturers scaling production to meet growing global demand. The absorptive and transmissive grade pairing – V0150TW and V0150IR2 respectively – is designed specifically to enable this laser welding process.
Beyond microinverters, SABIC indicates the grades are suited for solar tracker boxes, junction boxes and solar optimizers, as well as microinverters. Both resins are available globally. The materials recently received a Silver 2026 Edison Award, cited as recognition for innovation in the category.
You can review NORYL™ grades and compare technical data directly in the Master Catalog of Plastics & Elastomers.