Solar Module Manufacturers Turn to Innovative Solutions to Enhance Production Processes and Meet Growing Market Demands

Following a successful year in 2010, Saint-Gobain Solar, a leading manufacturer of sustainable materials and engineered renewable energy solutions, is on track for an even brighter 2011. The group is bringing new levels of production efficiency and cost savings to photovoltaic module manufacturing processes with its innovative SolarBond™ products.

As the solar market continues to grow, module manufacturers are increasingly aware of the importance of innovative production components to enhance their production processes. Saint-Gobain Solar’s SolarBond™ products – including the new SolarBond™ Frame Sealant and SolarBond™ Frame Tapes – are enabling manufacturers to innovate their production processes and achieve great efficiencies and cost-savings.

Specifically, module framing is one such process that has benefited from the cutting-edge SolarBond™ technologies. The traditional silicone methods used to seal photovoltaic modules lead to significant material waste as well as extensive cleaning time as excess product flows onto the module’s surface after the insertion of the photovoltaic laminate into the frame.

With SolarBond™ Frame Sealant, a new-generation pumpable sealant, Saint-Gobain Solar allows solar module manufacturers to significantly improve performance, while reducing overall production costs. The sealant consists of a foamable, single component reactive thermosetting compound that allows an optimum cavity fill to be achieved without any overflow, reducing cleaning time and eliminating material waste.

In addition, because the sealant is warm when applied, it takes significantly less time to set, and achieves high bonding strength immediately after contact with the glass, backsheet and frame. Instant adhesion in the framing process ensures a consistent level of quality and leads to increased productivity and shortened production cycles. A long-term, weather-resistant bond also assures durability of the final product.

The technology also uses a unique, automated dispensing solution for the framing process, leading to enhanced operational safety and increased capacity to meet growing market demand.

To further enhance the productivity of their framing processes and the performance of solar modules, manufacturers utilize SolarBond™ Frame Tapes. Offering cost-effectiveness, easy application and durability in the solar module framing process compared to alternative products, the tapes are used for perimeter sealing of the PV laminate to the aluminium frame. With instant bonding, manufacturers can handle the module immediately after framing, resulting in increased production efficiency.

The SolarBond™ Frame Tapes are UL listed and offer performance to IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) conditions for adhesion strength, weatherability and durability as confirmed by TÜV Rheinland, a respected independent testing and assessment service.

“In response to market growth, solar module manufacturers are increasing output,” said Geoffrey King, Market Manager, Renewable Energy, Saint-Gobain. “Having successfully implemented our innovations with many customers over the last year, we are confident that our SolarBond™ products will continue to help manufacturers achieve production efficiencies while also reducing waste, overall boosting profits.”
About Saint-Gobain Solar
A worldwide leader in solar energy services, Saint-Gobain boasts a long and successful history in the construction materials market. Nearly 350 years of history, marked by technical revolutions and commercial successes, has made Saint-Gobain an ever-present industry player. Today, Saint-Gobain is combining its traditional field of expertise, housing and construction, with its solar technology know-how. The Group's commitment to continual innovation aims to make everyone's lives more comfortable, economical and sustainable all throughout the world. Saint-Gobain Solar reaffirms the Group's commitment to making solar energy a springboard of growth and innovation.
For more information, contact:
Geoffrey King
Market Manager, Renewable Energy
Tel: +1 (518) 642 2200 ext 291
E-mail: Geoffrey.D.King@saint-gobain.com