To minimize resources dedicated to tape application during the module making process, Saint-Gobain Solar is launching its SolarBond® ReadyFrame at Intersolar Europe 2012 in Munich, Germany, 13-15 June 2012 (Booth A5.380). This custom tape-in-frame solution has been selected as one of the top 10 nominees for the Intersolar AWARD 2012. Additionally, the company will be conducting live demonstrations on the show floor every 30 minutes with presentation given in English and German.
SolarBond® ReadyFrame (patent pending) is designed around a customer’s frame specifications, allowing orders of the frames to be delivered with the frame tape already applied. Saint-Gobain Solar works directly with the module manufacturer’s aluminum extruder to feed the frame profiles through a post-production process wherein a SolarBond® Frame Tape from Saint-Gobain Solar’s V7700UL series is expertly pre-applied. The ready-made module component enables manufacturers of varied automation capabilities to boost cost savings and sustainability while ensuring consistent high-quality products.
The SolarBond® ReadyFrame order is then wrapped in protected packaging and shipped to the customer for immediate application on the solar module manufacturing line. Just like a traditional frame, SolarBond® ReadyFrame can be placed on a conventional framing table with the module laminate in position. No changes to the framing process are required. The accurate placement of the tape ensures that the frame is securely bonded in the proper location every time.
By removing the extra step of adding a sealant or tape to the frame, manufactures can reduce production costs. On small to medium lines, these costs often stem from the manual labor required to cut and apply the tape as well as additional hand tools used in the process. On all types of lines, including large and highly-automated operations, SolarBond® ReadyFrame eliminates costs associated with the inventory of wet sealants or tape spools, as well as those related to the disposal of any material waste from the tape or sealant application. The reduction of material waste also helps to enhance operational sustainability.
Additionally, SolarBond® ReadyFrame offers all the advantages of SolarBond® Frame Tapes over wet silicone sealants, such as instant adhesion and elimination of downtime required for curing. SolarBond® ReadyFrame, like ordinary frame tapes, also ensures a clean application with no need to remove excess sealant from the module.
“To succeed in today’s competitive environment, solar module manufacturers need to do more with less,” said Geoffrey King, Market Manager, Renewable Energy, Saint-Gobain Solar. “SolarBond® ReadyFrame allows module manufacturers to do just that by helping them cost-effectively produce high-quality modules.”
SolarBond® ReadyFrame will be also the focus of a presentation given by Geoffrey King at the Innovations Exchange on the 14th of June at 2.15 pm at Hall B3, Booth 3.450. King will discuss the ways in which this ready-made solution can contribute to cost reduction and ensure the success of solar module manufacturers in the today’s industry.
