ASSEMBLYADHESION
Securing a new bond
As the global solar and PV industries expand there is an increase in production materials, processes and tools available to the manufacturer. The increased competition further encourages companies to differentiate their offerings. LORD Corporation discusses how structural adhesives provide a viable alternative to current fixing methods and suggests that for the solar industry it is a perfect bond.
T
he challenge for solar power panel manufacturers is they must manufacture a product that can withstand more than excessive thermal and mechanical stress but must also endure harsh environmental conditions, sunlight, wind, rain. On top of this the product must operate continuously under these conditions. The reality for solar power panel manufacturers is finding methods to meet these operating parameters and is crucial to the overall performance of their product.
According to a recent report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and GTM Research, “The U.S. solar energy industry had a banner year in 2010, with the industry’s total market value growing 67-percent from $36-billion in 2009 to $60-billion in 2010. The report states, “Solar was a bright spot in the U.S. economy last year as the fastest growing energy sector.”
As the demand for solar power installations continues to increase across the globe, manufacturers are looking for new methods to help cut production and installation costs, allowing them to extend the savings to the consumer. As a solution that can potentially streamline costs, decrease maintenance, and improve durability and life expectancy of solar panels, manufacturers are transitioning from traditional mechanical fasteners to high-performance structural adhesives.
A Viable Alternative
As an alternative to mechanical fasteners, structural adhesives offer the advantages of reduced stress points, leaks and corrosion; resistance to extreme environmental conditions;
41
www.solar-pv-management.com Issue V 2011
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48