Marv,
Not to split hairs, but silicone not silicon. Silicone based brake fluid is
used because it is non-hygroscopic. Hydroscopic is the ability to absorb
moisture from the atmosphere. Silicone bathtub caulk is not hydroscopic and the
acetic acid in the caulk will not hurt the solar laminate glass, tedlar, or
ethylene vinyl acetate (eva).
Brightly,
Joel Davidson
----- Original Message -----
From: Marv Dargatz
To: RE-wrenches
Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 2:34 PM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] module frame separation
Be careful with the silicon. Most of it is hygroscopic, and contains acetic
acid.
Automobile windshields are often secured with Butyl rubber caulk. It is
impervious to moisture. Might this be a good choice? I also wonder if a
polyurethane (like sikaflex) would be appropriate.
See Ya!
Marv
Enphase Energy
707 763-4784 x7016
Joel Davidson wrote:
William,
The main concerns are physical damage to the unsupported laminate and
moisture penetration at the exposed edge of the laminate. If the frame can be
pushed back in place without breaking the laminate, you can fasten a flat bar
across the back of the module to keep the frame in place. EVA is hydroscopic
and moisture will wick into the laminate from the exposed edge. Run a bead of
silicone caulk along the edge of the laminate before securing the frame back in
place.
Joel Davidson
----- Original Message ----- From: "William Korthof" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 1:39 PM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] module frame separation
Recently we've had a few modules (~5 year old) exhibit frame separation
from the glass...
in one case, it's minor separation of the long edge of frame on one or
both sides of a few modules... the frames seem okay and reasonably secure when
attached on the roof, but were loose during handling.
In another case, the customer is located in snow-impacted mountains.
Apparently, a sheet of icy snow pulled the bottom (short) edge of the frame
apart from the glass and side frame pieces. No damage to the glass, but the
lower edges of 6+ frames are now dangling by a thread.
I don't think the module warranties cover this problem---the power
output remains within spec and there is no evident damage to the glass. But if
we don't provide some sort of repair, the modules will break.
Any suggestions for this kind of repair?
What kind of glue would we use to reattach the glass to the aluminum
frames?
Thanks,
William Korthof
Energy Efficiency Solar
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