At the Solar Solutions Lab in the CBTC, Dow Corning will collaborate closely with customers to help advance the global solar PV market. On-site laboratory capabilities include performing environmental testing, testing new silicone encapsulation technologies, testing new technology for module installation, and optimizing solar module production processes based on new silicone materials for PV.
Established in 2010, the Solar Solutions Lab in the CBTC is one of the state-of-the-art facilities in Dow Cornings global network of renewable energy research centers based in Europe, the United States and Asia. This facility is dedicated to improving customer service by shortening the innovation cycle that turns market opportunities and new ideas into profitable solutions.
Among the core strengths and rigorous testing capabilities available at the Dow Corning Solar Solutions Lab at the CBTC are:
- Solar Encapsulant Curing Behavior Test: Testing is conducted to evaluate curing time, coating thickness and uniformity, tack value and cohesion of module encapsulants.
- Environmental Aging Test: Thermal cycling, humidity-freeze and damp-heat tests are conducted to determine solar panel or Si-material aging.
- Solar Panel Cutting Test: Cutting across the modules or panels substrate and substrate surfaces is performed, to meet UL requirements.
- Solar Panel Manufacturing Process: Small sample-size solar panels are produced with the following processes: cell matrix preparation; coating; curing; vacuum and lamination; and framing and sealing.
- Solar Module Electric Test: EL/WLC/IV: The Solar Solutions Lab in CBTC is capable of electrical tests following solar module aging tests.
- Experimental PID Testing under Qualification: Designed to support a solar modules new characteristic reliability.
"By advancing our lab capabilities and research activities across our global network of solar centers, such as at our China Business and Technology Center, Dow Corning can better serve our local customers. Our unmatched expertise, equipment and processes are designed to bring better solutions to the solar market worldwide," said Daniel Futter, Dow Cornings vice president for Solar Solutions. "Continued investment in the China Solar Solutions Lab solidifies Dow Cornings role as a technology partner to the industry and illustrates our long-term commitment to driving innovation of silicon-based materials and technologies for the Chinese solar market."
This announcement of Dow Corning's continued solar advancements follows the company's June 2012 launch of the Solar Energy Exploration and Development (SEED) research center activities in Seneffe, Belgium.
