Materials Science

Henkel offers conductive adhesive for solar device assembly

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,” said 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 economical materials. The formulations also offer exceptional processing and performance characteristics, including compatibility with wafer thicknesses of less than 160µm; fast printing and dispensing capability at speeds of greater than 200mm 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.