Solar Solutions

Midland, Mich. (U.S.A.) - Dow Corning has expanded its portfolio of materials developed for the specific needs of the PV industry with the addition of Dow Corning® PV-8303 Ultra Fast Cure Sealant and Dow Corning® PV-8030 Adhesive for bonding and sealing photovoltaic module components.

The company has also received UL approval for Dow Corning® PV-7030 Potting Agent, one of a family of potting agents that improves the durability of PV modules even under the demanding outdoor exposures typical of photovoltaic applications.

"We are working hard to become the material house of choice for solar panel manufacturers by creating new options and innovative solutions to meet their most critical needs of improved performance, costs, availability and durability," said Gaetan Borgers, global industry director, Dow Corning Solar Business.

Adhesives and Sealants: Long-Term Protection, Faster Cure Times
Dow Corning adhesives and sealants for solar applications are designed to provide long-term bonding and protection against moisture, environmental degradation, mechanical and thermal shock.

Dow Corning® PV-8030 Adhesive is an easy-to-use, one-part material ideal for rail bonding applications where room-temperature curing is preferred. It is recommended specifically for structural bonding applications with typical PV substrates.

Dow Corning® PV-8303 Ultra Fast Cure Sealant is a two-part material ideal when fully automated production is desired. It delivers excellent durability and strength for rail bonding, frame sealing and junction box adhesion.

It cures at room temperature and develops adhesion rapidly to metal, glass and plastic substrates. Adhesion is normally good to most substrates without the use of primer or of surface activation methods. The two-part product allows for custom cure rates.

These products join Dow Corning® PV-8301 Fast Cure Sealant, which was introduced in 2008, in the company's lineup of rail bonding, frame sealing and junction box adhesive solutions.

Potting Agents: Protection Specifically Designed for Solar Applications
Dow Corning® PV-7030 Potting Agent is specifically designed for photovoltaics to provide long-lasting protection to withstand the elements and provides fire resistance, excellent electrical insulation of components and stability and flexibility over a wide temperature range.

Dow Corning potting agent options also include Dow Corning® PV-7311 Potting Agent, which has excellent compatibility with PV substrates and junction box materials; Dow Corning® PV-7010 Potting Agent, a proven solution with fast room temperature cure; and Dow Corning® PV-7020 Potting Agent, which provides higher thermal conductivity for improved bypass diode cooling.

"We know that our customers' needs are unique, so we offer more options for them to differentiate their products across the value chain," Borgers said.

Other Dow Corning solar solutions include:

• PV cell coatings specifically designed to provide the durability and abrasion resistance required for consumer products applications;
• Cell encapsulants that provide excellent durability and protection against corrosion and delamination for PV solar energy cells.

About Dow Corning

Dow Corning provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the company's Dow Corning® and XIAMETER® brands. Dow Corning is a joint venture equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning's annual sales are outside the United States.