The Photovoltaic and Solar Industry is driven by cost reduction and long term performance increase to master the market challenges. Therefore efficient manufacturing processes and new approaches are required for savings in material and resources, higher outputs, new designs and secured long term performance. With the newest developments of innovative adhesive, sealant and potting solutions Sika responds to these requirements. On the 27th EU PV SEC in Frankfurt, Germany, Sika is presenting and demonstrating these powerful solutions.

The European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition serves as platform for the exchange of new trends and developments in the photovoltaic sector. As leading supplier of adhesives and sealants Sika will present its comprehensive product range and newest innovations for efficient solar module manufacturing at booth F15 in hall 3.0.The wold innovation Sikasil® AS-780 for backrail bonding will be showcased with life-demonstration at the Sika booth throughout the exhibition. 

Durable and process optimised bonding of backrails or other mounting systems
With the new innovation of Sikasil® AS-780, Sika is introducing a new generation of two component Silicone technology for process integrated backrail bonding. The Sikasil® AS-780 combines the exceptional long term performance of a structural Silicone used in the façade industry with the process ability of a high tack and high green-strength adhesive. The initial green strength and strength development is much higher than existing Silicone technologies. This unique product makes it now feasible to bond the mounting devices and handle the assembled parts within the standard production lines and cycles without the need for any large buffer zones or pre-fixation devices. Furthermore the appearing tolerances between modules and mounting device can easily be compensated by the paste like adhesive and the applied bead geometry. At the same time the Sikasil® AS-780 meets the requirements of the most severe structural glazing standard for façades, the EOTA ETAG 002. This standard is concluded with the expectations of a lifetime of at least 25 years on the tested system. This means the bond will last for decades under harsh environmental outdoor conditions with UV, rain and heat as well as under loads from wind and snow with the corresponding joint geometry.
The innovative Sikasil® AS-780 enables the PV module and system providers to move forward with the desired cost and material savings in fixation solutions with a secured long term performance and simplified process integration. 

Secured and enhanced junction box potting
The Sikasil® AS-787 SL features, despite the excellent flowing behaviour, a very short non-flow time to shorten and secure the storing time before handling and packaging. Thanks the two component technology the fast and uniform curing is independent from humidity and can even be accelerated by slight heating. Next to this, the proven weather ability and excellent adhesion to many junction box and backsheet materials as well as to glass ensure long-term performance. With a UL 94 V-0 certification the product proves for the highest flammability rating.
Thanks to the perfect balance of raw materials no sedimentation occurs and therefore no mixing is required prior to usage, like with other potting materials. The material can be applied with most of the common dispensing systems for potting materials.

Accelerated processing with ultra-fast curing adhesive systems
The Sikasil® AS-790 is an exceptionally fast curing two component Silicone adhesive. With this product the cycle times for framing and junction box bonding can be further reduced. Thanks to the fast curing, pre-fixation means or complex buffer zones can be eliminated. The paste-like adhesive is able to compensate tolerances and to fill appearing cavities. An excellent durability of the bond line is provided thanks to the outstanding weatherability, UV-stability and adhesion. Based on the ultra-fast curing behaviour of this product it is mostly suitable for automated production lines. 

Comprehensive project support from scratch to field
Next to a powerful and innovative product range Sika is offering a comprehensive project support. Sika experts in technical engineering, testing and system engineering assist customers from construction consultancy to implementation and beyond.