Sonabond Ultrasonics: A Solar Industry Staple

Every step in the manufacture of a PV solar cell is of the utmost importance, from the highly visible aluminum frame and glazing to silicon ingots to the tiniest welded connection. Those tiny, behind-the-scenes connections are what engineers at Sonabond Ultrasonics excel at.

According to a company press release, Sonabond’s new MS-5010PV Ultrasonics Photovoltaic Modular System is designed for automated assembly systems. It is used to weld aluminum foil to the metallized glass on the photovoltaic cells, resulting in an interconnect between solar cells, which boasts excellent conductivity.

The Sonobond Ultrasonic PV Modular System “produces seam welds through the momentary application of mechanical vibratory energy under pressure.”

It offers a number of advantages, Sonobond says. Among these are relatively low heat production and no need for fluxes, tapes, solder, or other “consumables,” resulting in another clean, environmentally friendly segment of the PV cell production process.

Furthermore, the Sonobond system requires minimal training to operate, as well as being fast and efficient. This creates savings on several levels for solar cell manufacturers, including time, resources, and production costs.

The intricacies of ultrasonic metal welding will fly over most of our heads, but don’t underestimate its significance for companies striving to bring down PV production costs. And that is why we laypersons, we homeowners and solar enthusiasts, can smile — because savings to the maker means savings to the buyer. Not to mention Sonobond’s low-waste, ultrasonic process that adds that much more eco-friendliness to an already eco-friendly product.

For more information see Sonobond Ultrasonics

Posted on July 8th in Solar Products by Dan.