Solar

Midland, Mich. – The new Dow Corning® PV-8007 Neutral Sealant provides unique, significant bond strength immediately after application. The material is strong enough to hold a standard lightweight junction box in place with no tape or other additional assembly aids. This helps shorten the manufacturing production cycle time for photovoltaic (PV) modules – and reduces the overall cost of ownership.

The high-performance silicone adhesive/sealant is an effective alternative to traditional adhesive tapes and one-part RTV products in sealing, framing, and protecting PV module components, as well as for bonding and protecting junction boxes.

It can be used in dispensing equipment to optimize the application process and minimize squeeze-out, which ideally eliminates or reduces re-work and cleaning. It is also suitable for large-scale, fully automated production equipment.

Dow Corning® PV-8007 Neutral Sealant also improves PV module performance by providing long-term sealing and protection against moisture, environmental degradation, mechanical and thermal shock, and vibration. It not only seals and protects, but its high elasticity after cure allows flexibility in harsh conditions.

“We continue to create new options and innovative solutions to meet the most critical needs of improved performance, costs, availability and durability to help the PV industry become a sustainable, affordable energy option,” said Axel Giesecke, Dow Corning global marketing manager of PV module assembly and system installation.

Dow Corning is applying more than 65 years of experience to bring innovation and efficiencies to the silicon-based materials that are ideal for solar applications, including silicon-based materials for next-generation solar cells, protective coatings for solar cells, high-performance silicone encapsulants, adhesives, and sealants. Dow Corning is also the majority shareholder in the Hemlock Semiconductor Group joint ventures, which includes Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation and Hemlock Semiconductor, L.L.C. Hemlock Semiconductor is a leading provider of polycrystalline silicon.

Dow Corning’s solar experts will be available to discuss this and other product developments at the following upcoming tradeshows:

• European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference, September 5-8, Hamburg, Germany, Hall B6, Stand B28
• Solar Power International, October 17-20, Dallas, Texas, Hall C, Booth 2543

About Dow Corning
Dow Corning (dowcorning.com) 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.