Application of Silicone Materials in Solar Power Generation


Silicone materials with excellent technological and operational properties have entered the field of solar power generation. With the development of solar energy industry and the progress of solar power generation technology, new requirements for matching materials are constantly put forward. Silicone materials will play a more important role, which is also silicone. Industry has brought new opportunities for development.


I. Characteristics and Functions of Silicone Materials


Silicone materials have various forms, including small molecular compounds, flowable liquid polymers, elastic silicone rubber and hard silicone resins and coatings.


Organosilicon polymers mostly have silicate-like polymer skeletons, and their side chains contain organic groups.


Such semi-inorganic and semi-organic special polymer structure endows silicone materials with a series of excellent properties, such as high temperature, low temperature, climate aging, water-repellent and moisture-proof, high insulation strength, low dielectric loss, optical transparency, safety and non-toxicity.


Therefore, organosilicon materials are not only suitable for many applications, but also can be used under harsh conditions which general synthetic materials can not afford. Silicone products show unparalleled superiority as a supporting material for long-term outdoor solar power generation devices.


II. Organosilicon Material Used in the Field of Solar Power Generation


Silicone products are excellent heat-resisting and insulating materials, which are widely used in power generation, substation, transmission and other high-power applications. In the construction and safe operation of solar power plants, silicone materials are often irreplaceable and important supporting materials. Following is a brief list of silicone materials for special applications in solar power plants.


1. Organosilicon Material for Solar Cell System


Solar photovoltaic power generation devices are installed outdoors. In the natural environment of four seasons of cold and summer, they are required to withstand harsh natural conditions such as long-term illumination, high and low temperature cycle, wind and rain erosion, dust and gravel erosion. Material for solar cells must meet the special requirements of weather aging resistance and long-term stability.


Organic silicon materials for solar cell assembly and related key technologies are described as follows:


Single Component Room Temperature Vulcanized Silicone Rubber for Solar Cell Bonding and Sealing


One-component room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber can be used in solar cell frame sealant, junction box sealant, confluence strip sealant, film module bracket adhesive, etc.


The one-component room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber suitable for bonding and sealing of solar cells is a neutral silicone rubber to protect the battery chips from pollution and corrosion. At the same time, the vulcanized silicone rubber is required to have flame retardant properties.


Anti-reflective coating materials on the surface of solar cell chips


Silica sol or silane should be applied to the surface of the battery chips to produce antireflective films to improve the light absorption efficiency of solar cells.


Protective film on transparent surface of solar cell module


Silicone coating is coated on the transparent surface of solar cell module to protect the cell surface from external factors and improve the receiving light efficiency.


The suitable silicone coating is a special coating based on silicone resin, which requires rapid curing at room temperature. The cured film should have a suitable high refractive index and adhere firmly to the substrate.


Filling and Bonding Materials for Solar Cell Assembly


In solar cell modules, transparent materials should be filled around the chip to be bonded and fixed. In the past, EVA materials were mostly used for hot melt filling. In the process of power generation, EVA yellowing, low transmittance and debonding often occurred, which led to the reduction of power generation efficiency. In order to prolong the working life of photovoltaic cells and improve the efficiency of power generation, the use of liquid silicone rubber filling and bonding is a scientific and reasonable choice, especially the application of adding liquid silicone rubber filling and encapsulating solar cell components, will achieve the best results.


From Silicone Forum