Product Briefing Outline: Shin-Etsu Silicones of America (U.S. subsidiary of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd., Japan) has recently introduced a diverse line of advanced performance, silicone-based products specifically designed for applications that benefit the protection and performance of PV modules in the field. These are comprised of two key product categories that cover potting and sealing applications.
Problem: Potting materials are designed to weatherproof solar panel junction boxes; thus protecting the valuable electronics encapsulated inside. Sealing materials for solar panel frames and junction boxes are engineered for sealing the junction box (J-Box) to the back sheet and also provide a water proof seal between the PV panel and the frame. Correct and long-lasting protection is required for the module to function properly and safely during its expected lifetime.
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Solution: Shin-Etsu’s potting materials (KE-200, KE-200F, KE-210, KE-210F) quickly cure at room temperature, making the junction box both corrosion and moisture proof. Major benefits include: superior adhesion strength to various substrates, excellent heat stability—no reversion under airtight conditions, high dielectric breakdown strength, and easy reparability. Shin-Etsu’s Sealing materials for solar panel frames and junction boxes are engineered for sealing the junction box (J-Box) to the back sheet and also provide a water proof seal between the PV panel and the frame. Their performance properties include strong adhesion to back sheet materials such as PVF and PET, super fast room-temperature cure, and excellent weatherability and electrical insulation.
Applications: Potting materials are designed to weatherproof solar panel junction boxes. Sealing materials for solar panel frames and junction boxes are engineered for sealing the junction box (J-Box) to the back sheet.
Platform: The potting materials are well suited for automated dispensing equipment used in mass production of PV modules. They have a reduced low-molecular-weight siloxane Σ(D3 to D10) < 300ppm. KE-210 and KE-210F materials UL94 V-0 compliant. Sealing material KE-220 has fast room temperature cure. KE-45, KE-4828, KE-220 materials maintain good elasticity over a wide temperature range (-40°C to 180°C). Have superior weatherability and electrical insulation properties.
Availability: February 2010 onwards.
