Dow Corning Corp. has demonstrated a manufacturing process featuring new silicone materials that increase the production rate of solar panels. The process works in conjunction with the company's PV-6100 Encapsulant material, which provides a clear laminate to protect each solar cell in a panel and can replace commonly used ethyl vinyl acetate resin.
The silicone-based material provides higher watt efficiency, longer module life and optimum UV resistance, Dow Corning says. Also, equipment for the new process requires less capital and less factory space.
The process and encapsulant series are being piloted by select solar partners in the new Dow Corning Solar Application Center in Freeland, Mich., and are expected to be commercially available in mid 2009.
Dow Corning: (989) 496-1582
SOURCE: Dow Corning
