Whether you call them silicone membranes, bladders, or sheets, Smartech has what you are looking for and are here to support your applications in the solar industry.
How Silicones Support the Solar Industry & Renewable Energy
Solar panels are a popular renewable energy source that allow for reduced reliance on fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse gasses. An investment in solar panels will utilize renewable clean power and offer a significant return on investment. As more individuals, businesses, and more turn to solar energy, the manufacturing process must keep up to date with the latest and best materials and technologies to support these efforts in renewable energy and sustainability.
Silicone Diaphragms for Solar Panels
To develop long-lasting, durable solar panels, you will need high-quality silicone diaphragms for a solar laminator. Silicone membranes support the lamination and pressing process and help reduce both material costs and operational expenses. The solar industry depends on high-quality silicone diaphragms for solar module lamination that can withstand the manufacturing process and will not deteriorate. For example, the Lamibran diaphragm can be used in the creation of solar panels because of its effectiveness in preventing EVA leaks in solar panel lamination.
How Does a Silicone Diaphragm Work?
Silicone membranes offer durability and flexibility across a wide range of industries and applications, from automotive to woodworking to solar. Roofs of commercial buildings and residential structures can use solar panels that help conserve energy, support sustainability efforts, and save money. A silicone diaphragm, or photovoltaic diaphragm, provides durability and cost-effective solutions while manufacturing solar panels. A silicone membrane supports the membrane press even when exposed to caustic vapors and through thousands of cycles.
Types of Silicone Diaphragms
At Smartech, we offer multiple silicone and rubber membrane products for the solar industry. Work with our team online or over the phone to determine the best silicone diaphragm for your application. Important factors in selecting the best silicone diaphragms for solar uses will include the type of encapsulant, composition and size of the modules, and the type of laminator in use. One type of silicone membrane available with Smartech includes the Lamibran EVA-Resistant Diaphragm, which has strong resistance to EVA vapor releases during the lamination process. With a max temperature of 200* C / 392* F and 3.2 mm thickness 2ply with both sides smooth, the Lamibran EVA-Resistant Diaphragm offers a much greater cycle count than solid silicone because of the vapor resistance that prevents the silicone membrane from becoming brittle. Invest in a silicone diaphragm for solar panel lamination that will last far longer and save you money on both labor and replacement parts due to its durability and longevity.
Benefits of Silicone Membranes in Solar Panels
When manufacturing solar panels, the solar industry must incorporate high-quality membranes that will not deteriorate. This means silicone sheets must have strong resistance to EVA vapors and the repeated cycles necessary during the solar lamination process. Both thin-film and crystalline solar panel manufacturers must invest in photovoltaic panels that can resist outgassing, a side effect of using ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) that encapsulates and protects solar cells. Manufacturers of solar panels may also consider protecting silicone sheets with a layer of PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, that goes between the silicone membrane and the module. PTFE offers high heat resistance, water resistance, and anti-corrosive properties. This can also help extend the lifecycle of solar silicone sheets, along with other production benefits.
Silicones in Wind Turbine Construction
Wind turbines provide wind power, another important renewable energy technology. As wind turbines rotate, they generate electricity that then feeds the power grid. Wind turbines offer one of the cleanest forms of energy while helping reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Silicone is used in the construction of wind turbines, like the advanced adhesives designed to bind the massive rotor blades. Using silicone in wind turbine construction helps reduce maintenance costs, which can also provide efficiency gains and increase energy generation. When silicone is used as a bonding agent or lubricant during the manufacturing process of wind turbines, it also provides weather resistance to the rotor blades. Silicone is considered a key ingredient in wind turbine construction and in efforts to develop more sources of renewable energy.
Silicones as Key Players in Energy Efficiency
A variety of silicone products are designed to enhance the manufacturing and functioning of renewable energy technologies. Silicone membranes support a greater efficiency of processes while also reducing energy consumption and overall use of materials. Energy efficient applications of silicone membranes include solar panels, wind turbines, LEDs, computers, and green tires. A variety of industries depend on silicone for improved energy efficiency due to its durability, strength, and reduced manufacturing costs. The energy industry can also depend on silicone membranes for wind, solar, and other renewable energy needs due to their temperature performance properties.
Supplying Silicone Membranes for Your Needs
At Smartech, we have partnered with Steinbach to offer the patented Lamibran Diaphragm that offers flexibility through thousands of cycles and extreme vapor resistance to EVA off-gassing during the solar panel lamination process. We are committed to supporting the solar industry with the best product for specific applications in the solar industry. Our silicone membranes and solar diaphragms incorporate laminator-specific mixtures so you can find the best product for your specific needs and applications. We also offer Steinbach’s grey durometer 55 silicone diaphragm, which continues to be a popular option with many manufacturers of solar panels. Steinbach’s silicone mixtures designed for the solar industry offer tear resistance, elongation, and extra-wide sizes to accommodate the full range of module and laminator types already in production around the world. To extend the life of the diaphragm, talk with our experts at Smartech about whether to add a layer of PTFE sheet between the diaphragm and the modules.
Get in Touch
Whether you are looking for silicone diaphragms for solar panels or rubber sheet membranes, our team at Smartech has the product you need for your specific applications. Visit us online or contact us to talk more about the specific needs of your projects so we can discuss the best diaphragm for your applications. Our high-quality silicone membrane options are sure to meet the highest of expectations and help you achieve the best possible results. We offer customizable PTFE sheets to support photovoltaic diaphragms if you are looking to extend the lifecycle or for other production benefits. Give us a call, and we will help you determine the best product and how to get the most out of your product and processes with our innovative and dependable silicone membranes at Smartech.