The novel solar liquid cell encapsulation process built by Dow Corning and Reis Robotics has successfully cleared the Factory Acceptance Testing. The encapsulated cells are now available for sale. Apart from the above testing, the product was tested on site at the Dow Corning Solar Solutions Application Center located in JinCheon, Korea. This center is one of the top leaders in solar cell manufacture and design.
By incorporating the new technology into Dow Corning PV-6100 Cell Encapsulant Series and other Reis equipment, the rate of production by crystalline amorphous silicon thin film modules is greatly enhanced. Also there is a significant reduction in cost per kilowatt-hour of solar power. Eric Peeters, the Vice President of Dow Corning Solar Business, is confident that with the help of the new technology, tapping of solar power will be made more viable and the costs involved in manufacturing will be reduced and performance of the solar modules will enhanced significantly.
The encapsulation process offers a clear laminate that protects each of the solar cells in the panel, which was conventionally achieved using an ethyl vinyl acetate resin. The manufacturers have designed the panels in such a way that the processing temperatures are much lower and faster throughput is achieved. The space requirements are much lower and the panels can be established with much lower capital costs.
The PV-6100 Encapsulant Series from Dow Corning is built based on the UV sustainability of the silicone molecule which is able to provide improved durability and enhanced performance using crystalline molecules. The protection layer for the solar cells provides much higher performance, better protection and UV resistance when compared to organic counterparts. Peeters stressed on Dow Corning’s effort towards creating new opportunities and making solar energy an economically viable option.
Source: http://www.dowcorning.com/