We’re delighted to welcome back Leo Scheiwiller, Corporate Market Field Manager Solar Energy for Sika AG to the magazine. An industry expert and regular face at solar shows worldwide, here he talks about the company and explains how it is pioneering a new route to cost savings and optimisation.
PES: Welcome back to the magazine. For the benefit of new readers, would you like to outline how you serve the PV industry and give us a little background about the company?
Leo Scheiwiller: Sika is a globally integrated company supplying specialty chemicals and application knowledge in
80 countries with 15,200 employees to customers in construction and industry. Sika provides solutions for sealing, bonding and potting that assist PV module producers, integrators and BIPV system providers to meet the high demand of cost optimisations, quality requirements and supply security worldwide.
PES: We’re hearing differing reports from companies in the industry -what are your thoughts on the state of the market right now? Should we be getting excited about the next 12 months?
LS: It is definitely the case that there are more and more good and encouraging news from the solar industry. Nevertheless the consolidation phase of the industry seems not to be over yet but the future starts to look brighter again anyway. It is not the time yet to get excited but to be encouraged and get back to work with more impetus. In any case the industry has to be examined by region and segment as there certain differences can be seen.
PES: How much of your organisation’s entire business is PV focussed? Is the sector a priority for you?
LS: In the Solar Market Field we provide solutions for PV, CSP as well as Solar Thermal Collector systems; however the PV sector has the highest focus within this Solar Group. PV has a high focus and interest in Sika as this market provides high growth rates compared to ‘old’ markets and we see it as one of the big markets for the future.
PES: We note that you’ve recently launched a new product: Sikasil AS-780. What benefits does this backrail bonding material offer?
LS: The Sikasil AS-780 is a high performing two component Silicone designed for in-process bonding of backrails or other mounting devices to PV modules. This product is unique compared with other bonding technologies in the market. It combines the exceptional long term performance of a structural Silicone used in the facade industry with the process ability of a high tack and high initial green-strength adhesive.
Due to the high initial green-strength of the Sikasil AS-780 the bonding application of backrails can be integrated into the production lines with a fast handling afterwards. Therefore no large buffer zones for curing or pre-fixation devices are required anymore. Next to this with the pasty-like consistence and geometry of bead application the tolerances between the modules and the mounting device can be easily compensated. The long term durability is assured with this Silicone technology which meets the requirements of the most severe standard for structural bonding in facades, the EOTA ETAG 002.
