Leveraging its formulation leadership in electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) innovation, Henkel Adhesive Electronics has developed a series of ECAs designed to facilitate lower-cost, flexible, process-friendly assembly of solar devices. The LOCTITE ABLESTIK ICP 8000 series ECAs have been designed to elevate module performance and accommodate various assembly processes including shingled solar modules and cell interconnect ribbon bonding.
“More challenging solar cell processing due to thinner wafers and emerging new cell designs has illuminated the need for an evolution in electrical interconnect materials,” comments Jon Burke, Henkel Market Segment Manager for Solar. “This in combination with the cost pressures facing solar technology manufacturers, as well as the requirement for increased module output, has driven the development of Henkel’s latest line of next-generation electrically conductive adhesives.”
LOCTITE ABLESTIK ICP 8000 is a series of ECAs designed specifically for the demands of solar cell interconnect and in-use module performance. With a very low cost per watt, the new Henkel ECAs are among the most economical materials on the market. The formulations also offer exceptional processing and performance characteristics, including compatibility with wafer thicknesses of less than 160 μm; fast printing and dispensing capability at speeds of greater than 200 mm per second for high throughput; and full curing in less than 20 seconds at low temperatures between 110°C and 150°C, allowing maximum UPH and improving in-line inspection and yields.
“Not only are there processing advantages with LOCTITE ABLESTIK ICP 8000 electrically conductive adhesives, but in-use reliability and performance benefits as well,” notes Burke. “For both shingle stacking and ribbon bonding cell interconnect techniques, the new Henkel materials offer a more flexible solution than solder, absorbing the stress associated with CTE mismatches for improved reliability.”
With a broad technical support footprint, advanced R&D labs and material production in all major geographical regions, and experienced solar applications specialists around the world, Henkel’s PV technical consultation resources are unmatched. PV specialists interested in learning more about LOCTITE ABLESTIK ICP 8000 series ECAs and the company’s complete engineering services are invited to visit the Henkel technical team in Booth 250, Hall W4 at the upcoming SNEC PV Power Expo, taking place May 27 – 30 in Shanghai, China.
