Dow Corning Introduces Three New Solar Materials
By GreenerBuildings Staff
Created 2007-09-05 00:00
MIDLAND, — Dow Corning Solar Solutions announced Tuesday the introduction of the three materials to its solar energy product line.
The introduction of the materials — an encapsulant and two potting agents — follow in the footsteps of a solar feedstock material it launched last year, which it claims is the first commercially available solar-grade silicon feedstock made from metallurgical silicon.
The new materials debuted Tuesday have been tested and qualified for solar applications, the company said.
"We're taking the guess-work out of figuring out which of the hundreds of available coatings, encapsulants, potting agents, sealants, adhesives and other related products work best for demanding solar energy applications," said Donald L. Buchalski, Dow Corning Energy Solutions' senior marketing specialist for photovoltaic (PV) module assembly and integration. "These products demonstrate our commitment to providing total solutions throughout the PV value chain."
The Solar Solutions Group is now expanding its product offerings for cell manufacturing, module assembly and installation. It was created in 2001 to provide silicon-based products that boost the performance and longevity of finished solar modules.
The encapsulant announced Tuesday, called PV 6010 Cell Encapsulant, provides electrical, high heat and ultraviolet durability with no discoloration through a clear laminate layer is forms over the surface of PV solar energy cells. It prevents corrosion and delamination, making it ideal for consumer goods' PV applications.
The new potting agents — PV 7010 and PV 7020 — provide insulation for the protection of PV cells' electrical junction boxes. The agents are flexible and prevent exposure to moisture and heat, the company said. PV 7010 cures quickly while PV 7020 offers increased viscosity and conductivity.
