Solar Specific Materials
Shin-Etsu Chemical has introduced a range of products specifically designed for the PV (photovoltaic) and solar marketplace. For thin film solar cell device manufacturing, Shin-Etsu now offers customized PBN (Pyrolytic Boron Nitride) crucibles, boats and other products for copper, indium, gallium and selenide (CIGS) film deposition processes. Both PBN coated graphite and pure PBN parts offer high purity and stability with very limited outgassing. These ceramic parts are high heat and thermal shock resistant with excellent thermal insulation. PBN is chemically stable and non-toxic. It is resistant to oxidation while impurities are almost non-detectable.
Shin-Etsu also offers PBN/PG (Pyrolytic Graphite) heaters and PBN coated graphite heaters for application specific solar requirements.
Shin-Etsu Chemical's new silicone-based potting materials weatherproof solar panel junction boxes, protecting the valuable electronics encapsulated inside. These materials quickly cure at room temperature and after curing, make the junction box both corrosion and moisture proof. Other benefits include: superior adhesion (no reversion or delamination), high dielectric breakdown strength (for better voltage control), and excellent repairability.
Sealing Materials for Solar Panel Frames and Junction Boxes
Shin-Etsu sealing materials, for sealing either the junction box or the PV panel to the frame, offer superior lap shear strength, fast tack-free/skin-over cure, color and clarity stability and cohesion both before and after curing.
Double Stick Thermal Tape
Shin-Etsu double stick thermal tape for thermal diffusion of the substrate on the back sheet of the solar module helps increase the overall efficiency of the module. Once applied, the tape offers superior handling, high peeling-shear strength and can be easily reworked.
These materials have been introduced to the European and Asian marketplaces and are now available to the US market through Shin-Etsu MicroSi in Phoenix, Arizona. All the materials adhere to IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) design and safety standards.
