High-tech Adhesives for Thin-film Solar Cells

DELO Light-curing adhesives based on epoxy resins or acrylates are particularly well-suited for bonding protective films on thin-film solar cells while simultaneously forming an effective barrier against humidity.

Thin-film solar cells can be used for facades, lightweight roofs, or charging stations. They are made up of several layers with a thickness often measuring a few millimeters. Its active, energy-producing layers are often vapor-deposited onto glass or an organic carrier material and covered with a protective film on the front and back.

One adhesive that can be used to reliably bond the protective film is DELO KATIOBOND LP655 (https://www.delo-adhesives.com/products/detail/delo-katiobond). Along with bonding, this light-curing epoxy resin also acts as a barrier and effectively protects the active layers from humidity. This is especially important at the edges, as humidity would impair the solar cells' functionality if penetrated. Thanks to the raw materials used, the adhesive has a low water vapor transmission rate of 6 g per mm/m² in 24 h, which has been tested at a temperature of +60 °C and a relative humidity of 90%. This prevents premature degradation of the solar cells and contributes to a long lifetime.

DELO KATIOBOND LP655 also features high peel resistance on PET, the plastic material typically used for protective films. The transparent adhesive cures in seconds under UV light (https://www.delo-adhesives.com/products/curing) and has been optimized for slot-die coating. With this process, extremely thin adhesive layers can be applied, enabling efficient and controllable processing. Also, for roll-to-roll processes, DELO has various products (https://www.delo-adhesives.com/products/bonding/overview-of-adhesives) based on epoxy resins and acrylates, such as DELO PHOTOBOND (https://www.delo-adhesives.com/products/detail/delo-photobond).

DELO continues to develop adhesive solutions specifically adapted to the ever-changing technical and economic requirements of the solar industry. The adhesives undergo rigorous testing, conducted in cooperation with global partners such as the Oninn Innovation Center in Brazil.

Furthermore, DELO provides adhesive solutions for other technologies in renewable energy, including wind power and battery systems for electric cars. Thanks to their multifunctionality, these adhesives can perform other tasks in addition to reliably bonding two components. More information can be found on our application field website pages (https://www.delo-adhesives.com/products).

If you want to expand your knowledge on bonding technology, check out DELO Academy. These training courses are worthwhile for engineers and developers, providing insights in various applications as well as valuable tips.

Do you have any specific questions or bonding challenges? Our experts will be happy to advise you: https://www.delo-adhesives.com/service-center/project-consulting