Quantim Silicones QSil 216, 1 Pound kit (16 oz) Solar Cell Encapsulant;

Encapsulants when properly used allow your solar cells to operate at their peak extending the life of the solar Panel. Made of a soft silicon that absorbs impact, encapsulants provide a cocoon around the cells preventing bugs, animals, and debris from contacting the cells. Encapsulants extend the life of a solar cell by preventing oxygen and other gasses from oxidizing the cell during the normal function of producing power. Thermal expansion is often over looked. When cured, encapsulants are designed to set as a soft pliable rubber that will easily deform then return to its cured shape. (For example on a warm sunny day the temperature of a solar cell can vary 40 degrees with the passing of a cloud resulting in expansion and contraction of the cell.) The encapsulate acts as a shock absorber allowing the cells to expand and contract with little resistance hereby preventing breakage. Enhanced performance is achieved through the encapsulants ability to bond the cell directly to the glass providing all of its other functions and allowing the cell to become one with the glass thus reducing solar reflection and heat build up. Qsil 216 has a 4 hour working life that can be extended by cooling below 65 and can be heat cured. Product normally cures in 24 to 48 hours. Qsil 216 is the most stable two part product on the market for the home builder. Encapsulants are often compared to epoxy resins, and glues. There is no comparison. Solar cells float suspended in encapsulant allowing the cell to expand and contract with heat. Glues and epoxies are rigid and will cause your cells to micro crack and then fracture into hundreds of pieces as cells try to expand when subjected to sunlight. Encapsulants are designed to out last the useful life of your solar cells remaining clear and pliable for 20 years