Solar Solutions
Reliable and Process Optimised
Solar Adhesive Systems
Innovation & since
Consistency 1 9 1 0
Solar Solutions
Adding Value with Adhesives and Sealants
for Assembly and Installation
Sika takes pride in delivering products and solutions that will last decades under harsh environmental
conditions and in its 30 years successful experience in the facade and 15 years in the renewable
energy industries. The range of solar applications may be extremely varied, but systems share the
same need for outstanding performance. Solar systems have to consistently deliver the required out-
put to give returns on long-term investments, even though facing tough conditions over long periods.
The solar industry is pressed by the demand to provide product durability and at the same time keep
costs competitive.
To help you meet these challenges, Sika can offer state-of-the-art solutions developed over its long
term experience in automating adhesive application for the automotive and allied industries. Our adhe-
sive systems for the solar industry have been optimized to provide improved performance, curing
speeds and increased process capabilities.
These factors, together with a comprehensive and worldwide project support, make Sika an ideal
partner to manufacturers of Photovoltaic, Solar Thermal and Concentrating Solar Power systems.
2_Renewable Energies
Solar Solutions
Content
Photovoltaic Modules _4
Building Integrated Photovoltaics _6
Solar Thermal Collectors _7
Concentrating Solar Power _8
Renewable Energies_3
Solar Solutions
Photovoltaic Modules
Framing Bonding to the Substructure
Aluminum frames and back bars add structural strength to the photovol- The need for frames and clamps in assembling modules to a substruc-
taic module. They protect the glass edge and the delicate interiors as well ture is eliminated by the properties of the structural adhesive to strongly
as provide the means for installation. In addition to defending against link the dissimilar components together; a clear benefit in reducing the
moisture and environmental attack, durable and reliable sealants provide system costs.
long-term bonding and a degree of protection against mechanical shock. As stresses from wind, snow and other mechanical and environmental
Sika’s fast curing structural adhesives and sealants not only carry out impacts are homogeneously distributed by the flexible adhesive, less
these essential functions, but also open up new design opportunities tension occurs in the module, thereby improving its durability.
where reduced frame materials or larger module sizes become feasible. This bonding system allows a greater freedom of design making a range
of different construction methods feasible, especially for Building Inte-
grated Photovoltaic (BIPV). Sika provides a range of structural adhesives
with various curing speeds that allow both diverse production methods
and on-site bonding.
System Benefits System Benefits
– Shortens curing times for high production performance – Eliminates the need for frame or clamps in mounting
– Allows simplified frame design – Gives high production efficiency thanks to fast curing systems
– Facilitates new frame designs without raised edges that trap – Simplifies the design of mounting systems
dirt or water – Flexible bonding eliminates stress peaks
– Simplifies automation of production – Saves material and labour
– Offers best in class load and weathering resistance – Complies with the facade requirements of EOTA ETAG 002
– Allows reduced materials and process costs – Gives greater freedom of design for BIPV
– Simplifies corner design thanks to structural bonding – Allows bonding both during production and on-site
– Fosters high automation possibilities
4_Renewable Energies
Solar Solutions
Junction Box Potting and Sealing Flexible Thin Film
On electrical systems that are exposed to envi- Flexible thin film system technology is becom-
ronmental conditions, protection of the electri- ing more established amongst the other photo-
cal connections is vital. A junction box sealant voltaic systems. As it is a lightweight solution,
must exclude moisture, be flame retardant, and it is especially applicable for weight sensitive
also be a good insulator. While it is essential applications like roofing.
that thoroughly proven and reliable systems are However, even here, the bonding of the PV la-
used for encapsulation and sealing, the mate- minate to the sub-assembly is crucial. On the
rials must also be optimised for the different one hand the adhesive must be easy to use
stages of the manufacturing process. during construction and installation and on the
other hand, it needs to be durable. Sika has
developed a special bonding solution for this
application that has a proven track record fol-
lowing many years in the field.
System Benefits System Benefits
– S hows durable water-tightness and insulation – Ready to use system
– S hortens cycle times thanks to short – Full surface bonding
“non-flow” and curing times for potting – Shows very good adhesion to many
– S hort curing times due to fast reacting substrates
products – Provides good durability
– P rovides long lasting environmental – Easy to use both during assembly and on site
protection
Renewable Energies_5
Solar Solutions
Building Integrated
Photovoltaics
Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) is an area where architectural design meets ecological
responsibility. A BIPV facade or rooftop can improve a building’s energy consumption by providing
both power and shade. There is also the challenge of getting the right balance between architec-
tural appeal, optimal energy conversion and building functionality. Sika can call upon years of
experience with facade and insulating glass design to help finalize a planned solution for solar
integrated design.
Sika Facade System brochures and the Sika website (www.sika.com) provide product details and
example solutions.
System Benefits
– Gives increased architectural appeal
– S avings in material thanks to structural bonding
– Manifold design options
– Proven solutions from facade and insulating
glass industry
6_Renewable Energies
Solar Solutions
Solar Thermal Collectors
The bonding technology is ideal for the automated production of flat collectors and translates to
enhanced product quality and cost savings during the design and production phase. The simplified
methods mean that the cover glass can be bonded directly to the frame or tray of the collector, thus
avoiding the need for additional profiles, frames and dry gaskets. The process can also be entirely
automated so that, together with the lower component count, substantial cost savings can be
realized.
The approved and tested products ensure that vital joints are extremely durable and watertight,
which is not always the case when using the conventional dry gasket method. With the elimination
of the top frame, the solar panels not only look sleeker and more stylish, but they no longer have
raised edges that trap dirt and water, and snow may easily slide off. The backs of the solar collectors
can also be bonded in the same way thereby doubling the benefits and ensuring an overall weather-
tight seal.
System Benefits
– Facilitates frame design without raised edges
that trap dirt or water
– Allow simple automation of production
– Does not require additional frames or gaskets
– Displays short curing times
– Best in class load and weathering resistance
Renewable Energies_7
Solar Solutions
Concentrating Solar Power
Concentrating Solar Power plants require failure-proof components to ensure continuous power
production and a safe return on investment. As a result, the adhesive to bond the mirror fixation to
the mirror must show a high longevity and provide a scalable solution. These factors together with
the harsh environment of the reflectors demand the use of proven systems.
The variety of fixation systems vary considerably, therefore Sika is providing an established range
of adhesives and a comprehensive engineering support department to lead customers to the perfect
product and application.
System Benefits
– E liminate the need for mechanical fixing
of mirrors
– S implifies the mounting system
– A llows savings in material and labour
–C reates fewer stress peaks in the unit
–B est in class load and weathering resistance
– S hows high automation index
8_Renewable Energies
Solar Solutions
The Ideal Product for Every Application
Applications Grade Advantages
Sikasil® AS-790 – Structural bonding of mounting 2-component silicone adhesive – Ultra fast curing
systems – Very short tack free time
– Frame bonding – Excellent durability
– Junction box bonding – Low volatility
– Solar thermal collector bonding – UL 94 HB pending, RTI 105 °C
Sikasil® AS -785 – Structural bonding of mounting 2-component structural silicone – Fast curing and high strength
systems adhesive – Outstanding UV- and weathering
– Frame bonding resistance
– Junction box bonding – Low volatility
– Solar thermal collector bonding – UL 94 HB, RTI 105 °C
– Meets EOTA ETAG 002
Sikasil® AS -770 – Structural bonding of mounting 2-component structural silicone – High strength
systems adhesive – Remains flexible over a wide
– Solar thermal collector bonding temperature range
– Superior durability
– Low volatility
– Meets EOTA ETAG 002
Sikasil® AS -70 – Structural bonding of mounting 1-component structural silicone – High strength
systems adhesive – Superior heat resistance
– Frame bonding – Outstanding durability
– Junction box bonding – Excellent adhesion
– Solar thermal collector bonding – UL 94 HB, RTI 105 °C
– Meets EOTA ETAG 002
Sikasil® WS - 605 S – Frame sealing 1-component silicone sealant – High flexibility
– Solar thermal collector sealing – Excellent adhesion
– Non staining
– Outstanding UV- and weathering
resistance
Sikasil® AS -785 SL – Potting of junction boxes 2-component self levelling silicone – Short non flow time
sealant – Fast curing
– Consistent insulation properties
– UL 94 V-0, RTI 105 °C
– UL 746 C HWI 2, HAI 0, CTI 0
Sika® Lastomer-68 – Bonding of flexible thin film Ethylene Propylene Copolymer – Broad adhesion range
modules Tape – Good durability
– Excellent long term performance
against creep and cold flow
– Almost odourless
Product Benefits • Approved technology in facade and solar industry • Remain flexible over a wide temperature range
• Outstanding performance under PV ageing conditions • High durability
• Fast curing systems give high production output • Low volatility systems
• Outstanding UV- and weathering resistance • Certified and acknowledged products
Renewable Energies_9
Solar Solutions
Our Performances – Your Benefits
Performance Benefit
Construction consultancy – Review of existing solar systems relating to suitability for bonding
– Advice on system improvements
Functional testing – Support with prototyping
– Functional tests / test plan of whole system for compatibility, adhesion and function
Application technology – Active consulting, including the selection of application technology
– System and equipment engineering / bonding technology
– Support of equipment application procedures
Applicator training – Preparation of operating manuals for bonding in conformity with ISO
– Customer service
External approvals – Best practice sample preparation
Our core competence –
from Scratch to Field
Sika is a world leader in industrial high-end
products with over 30 years of experience and
offers its customers best practice solutions for
bonding, sealing and protecting. Sika’s solar
engineers support module manufacturers with
the development of the most appropriate so-
lutions. Sika’s application engineers achieve a
smooth integration of the bonding technology
into the customer’s module fabrication or in-
stallation process.
10_Renewable Energies
Solar Solutions
Focusing on Customers
Sika develops bonding and sealing solutions Technical Service
in close cooperation with its customers in the
solar industry. To Sika, this means not only Sika Technical Service teams are located
developing best-in-class technology solutions around the world, and are dedicated to provide
to match the customer’s technical and com- best practice selection, validation and applica-
mercial requirements, but also ensuring appro- tion of Sika materials. By being located close
priate performance throughout the design, pro- to our customers, Sika Technical Service can
totyping, validation and full production phases. ensure optimum local language communication
Experts in Sika’s R&D, Technical Service and and understanding throughout the technical
System Engineering specialise in devising application development process to ensure the
unique client-oriented solutions. best possible results.
Design and System Engineering
State-of-the-art new adhesives and sealants,
as well as innovative construction methods are
currently in demand. There is also a growing
need for design and application support. At
Sika Solar Competence Centres, the best suit-
able solutions are developed in partnership
with our customers to achieve the target re-
sults. Ultimately, this means reduced produc-
tion costs, greater product reliability, improved
aesthetic appeal and faster turn-around times,
adding value to the activities of Sika customers.
Renewable Energies_1 1
Sika
Worldwide
Sika is a globally active company supplying the specialty chemicals markets. It is a leader in processing materials used in sealing,
bonding, damping, reinforcing and protecting load-bearing structures in construction (buildings and infrastructure construction)
and in industry (vehicle, building component and equipment production).
Sika’s product lines feature high-quality concrete admixtures, specialty mortars, sealants and adhesives, damping and reinforcing
materials, structural strengthening systems, industrial flooring and membranes. Subsidiaries in more than 74 countries worldwide
and approximately 13,500 employees link customers directly to Sika.
© Sika Services AG / 08.2011 / CMS / RB
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Innovation & since
www.sika.com Consistency 1 9 1 0
