Adhesives have become prevalent in solar applications to replace mechanical fasteners and welding. Solar assemblies need to withstand harsh environmental conditions (e.g., UV, rain, wind, sand) and temperature cycling (i.e., panels get cold at night, hot during the day, and cold again at night) for long periods of time.
Silicones have become a workhorse of the industry and are particularly used in sealant applications where their moisture resistance, UV resistance, and long-term durability are well proven. One-component moisture-curing products are used, and two-component versions are used when very fast curing is required or for filling large gaps. Although silicones do not have very high tensile shear strengths compared to other types of adhesives, they have proven successful in some structural adhesive applications.