Solar Energy

New Joining Techniques for Solar Energy

Market conditions put high pressure on cost structures, while demanding top quality and long-term performance of Solar Energy system.

The industry is therefore forced to consider optimizations in production and installation processes as well as new innovative designs. This leads to new materials and joining techniques which have to be implemented into production and installation.

The appropriate adhesive technology enables to save cost, increase production efficiency and even allows to add unique features to the final Solar system.Sika assists you with comprehensive project support in all phases from design to implementation and after-sales service with the optimal solution to achieve your targets.

Solar applications performed with Adhesive

Over 50%

of all CSP powerplants are

bonded with Sikasil®

40%

installation time reduction

with bonded mounting systems with Sikasil®

Concentrated Solar Power

Mirror Bonding

Bonding the mirror to the specific mounting systems as heliostats in tower, parabolic trough or fresnel technology.

System Benefits

Proven in several CSP plants around the world
Long term performance under harsh environmental conditions
Enabling a lean and cost enhanced design and production

Solar Thermal Collector

Bottom plate bonding

Bonding and sealing of bottom plate to framing system

System Benefits

Shortens cycle times with faster curing technologies
Reduces handling times thanks to increased initial strength
Secures joint performance with structural adhesives

Cover Glass Bonding

Bonding and sealing of cover glass to the framing system

System Benefits

Eliminates mechanical fixing of cover glass
Secures durability and tightness thanks to the structural adhesive
Increases the production output
Simplifies automation of production
May eliminates raised edges that trap dirt or water

Best recommended products

Sikasil® AS-785

Fast curing and structural assembly silicone adhesive

Outstanding adhesion and mechanical performance under harsh environment conditions
Excellent adhesion to a wide variety of substrates
Very good mechanical properties
Performance retention over a wide temperature range
Long-term durability
Low volatility
Meets EOTA ETAG 002
UL® certified: UL94 V-1, QOQW2 (-40 °C – 105 °C)

Sikasil® SG-500

High-performance, 2-component silicone structural glazing adhesive

Outstanding UV and weathering resistance
SNJF-VEC recognized (product code: 2433)
Fire rated class B1 (DIN 4102-1)
Contributes to LEED v4/v4.1 EQc 2: Low-Emitting Materials

Sikasil® SG-500, black

Meets requirements of EN 15434 and ASTM C1184
Structural sealant for use in structural sealant glazing kits covered by ETA-03/0038 issued by Technical Assessment Body Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik, Declaration of Performance 15754339, certified by notified product certification body 0757, certificate of constancy of performance 0757-CPR-596-7110760-1-7, and provided with CE marking
Design tensile strength for dynamic loads:
σ_des = 0.14 MPa (ETA)

Thinfilm Photovoltaic

Bonding to mounting devices

Structural bonding of the module to the mounting structure in production or on-site

System Benefits

Saves up to 40% installation time
Saves up to 25% overall PV system cost
Elimination of electrical grounding
Minimized material handling compared to clamping
Minimized micro cracks on cells implies higher yield
Elimination of raised edges enables self-cleaning for higher yield and durability
Ensured durability by structural and proven adhesives
Simplified tolerance compensation of bonded components

Best recommended products

Sikasil® AS-70

Structural assembly silicone adhesive

Outstanding UV and weathering resistance
Performance retention over a wide temperature range
Bonds excellent to glass, metals, coated metals, plastics and wood
Long-term durability
UL® certified: UL94 HB

Sikasil® AS-785

Fast curing and structural assembly silicone adhesive

Outstanding adhesion and mechanical performance under harsh environment conditions
Excellent adhesion to a wide variety of substrates
Very good mechanical properties
Performance retention over a wide temperature range
Long-term durability
Low volatility
Meets EOTA ETAG 002
UL® certified: UL94 V-1, QOQW2 (-40 °C – 105 °C)

Junction box bonding and potting

Bonding and potting of junction poxes on photovoltaic modules

System Benefits

Shortens cycle times thanks to short “non-flow” and curing times for potting
Fast handling due to fast reacting products
Shows durable water-tightness and insulation
Demonstrates excellent adhesion and flammability rating
Provides long lasting environmental protection
Eliminates settling of components thanks to balanced formulation

Best recommended products

Sikasil® AS-785

Fast curing and structural assembly silicone adhesive

Outstanding adhesion and mechanical performance under harsh environment conditions
Excellent adhesion to a wide variety of substrates
Very good mechanical properties
Performance retention over a wide temperature range
Long-term durability
Low volatility
Meets EOTA ETAG 002
UL® certified: UL94 V-1, QOQW2 (-40 °C – 105 °C)

Sikasil® AS-787 SL

Self-levelling potting compound for electrical components

Short non-flow time with excellent flow properties
Good heat dissipation
Superb dielectric properties
Excellent adhesion to most photovoltaic substrates
Outstanding performance under harsh environment conditions
Low volatility
UL® certified: UL94 V-1, HWI 3, HAI 0, RTI ≥105°C

Crystalline Photovoltaic

Framing

Bonding and sealing of the aluminium frame to PV module

System Benefits

Proven and certified technologies
Long term performance under harsh environmental conditions
Increased production output with two-component systems

Best recommended products

Sikasil® AS-785

Fast curing and structural assembly silicone adhesive

Outstanding adhesion and mechanical performance under harsh environment conditions
Excellent adhesion to a wide variety of substrates
Very good mechanical properties
Performance retention over a wide temperature range
Long-term durability
Low volatility
Meets EOTA ETAG 002
UL® certified: UL94 V-1, QOQW2 (-40 °C – 105 °C)

Bonding to mounting devices

Structural bonding of the module to the mounting structure in production or on-site

System Benefits

Saves up to 40% installation time
Saves up to 25% overall PV system cost
Elimination of electrical grounding
Minimized material handling compared to clamping
Minimized micro cracks on cells implies higher yield
Elimination of raised edges enables self-cleaning for higher yield and durability
Ensured durability by structural and proven adhesives
Simplified tolerance compensation of bonded components

Best recommended products

Sikasil® AS-70

Structural assembly silicone adhesive

Outstanding UV and weathering resistance
Performance retention over a wide temperature range
Bonds excellent to glass, metals, coated metals, plastics and wood
Long-term durability
UL® certified: UL94 HB

Sikasil® AS-785

Fast curing and structural assembly silicone adhesive

Outstanding adhesion and mechanical performance under harsh environment conditions
Excellent adhesion to a wide variety of substrates
Very good mechanical properties
Performance retention over a wide temperature range
Long-term durability
Low volatility
Meets EOTA ETAG 002
UL® certified: UL94 V-1, QOQW2 (-40 °C – 105 °C)

Junction box bonding and potting

Bonding and potting of junction poxes on photovoltaic modules

System Benefits

Shortens cycle times thanks to short “non-flow” and curing times for potting
Fast handling due to fast reacting products
Shows durable water-tightness and insulation
Demonstrates excellent adhesion and flammability rating
Provides long lasting environmental protection
Eliminates settling of components thanks to balanced formulation

Best recommended products

Sikasil® AS-70

Structural assembly silicone adhesive

Outstanding UV and weathering resistance
Performance retention over a wide temperature range
Bonds excellent to glass, metals, coated metals, plastics and wood
Long-term durability
UL® certified: UL94 HB

Sikasil® AS-785

Fast curing and structural assembly silicone adhesive

Outstanding adhesion and mechanical performance under harsh environment conditions
Excellent adhesion to a wide variety of substrates
Very good mechanical properties
Performance retention over a wide temperature range
Long-term durability
Low volatility
Meets EOTA ETAG 002
UL® certified: UL94 V-1, QOQW2 (-40 °C – 105 °C)