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Here you'll find a selection of frequently asked questions and answers for a quick overview.
Cleaning solar panels is important because contaminants such as pollen, dust, or bird droppings can reduce the light transmittance of the panel surface. This reduces the power output of the photovoltaic system. Specialized cleaners are often used for gentle cleaning, such as photovoltaic cleaning products from Emil Otto.
Before use, stir the paste until the green color of the use indicator changes to a metallic silver-gray and a uniform consistency is achieved. It can then be applied to the parts to be joined using a brush or another suitable tool. Due to the high activity of the flux it contains, the paste spreads well over the surfaces and does not drip.
Any remaining flux residue must not impair the electrical performance or long-term functionality of the cable connection. Of particular concern are potential corrosion and an excessively low surface electrical resistance (SIR).
A suitable flux must ensure good soldering properties without interfering with the wave or selective soldering process. At the same time, it must be possible to process it reliably within the defined process parameters. For nickel surfaces, protection against re-oxidation is also required.
Treatment with fluxes based on a carboxylic acid complex not only removes the oxide layer; it also protects the pins from further contamination and surface changes. This allows them to either be processed immediately or stored for later use.
Specially formulated fluxes are required for nickel surfaces that are difficult to wet. Emil Otto has developed fluxes based on a carboxylic acid complex that can remove the oxide layer while simultaneously protecting the surface from further contamination and surface changes.
Before soldering, the surfaces to be joined should be thoroughly cleaned of oxides, dirt, and grease—for example, with a wire brush. Next, a suitable flux is applied. This prevents oxidation during heating and helps ensure that the solder evenly coats the joint.
Rain does not completely remove all contaminants from solar panels. Pollen, in particular, can form a sticky layer when combined with moisture, causing other particles to adhere to it. For thorough cleaning, special photovoltaic cleaners are therefore often used, such as cleaning products from Emil Otto.
EO-S-009 FD is a halide-free, no-clean flux for soldering solar modules, tabber and stringer materials, and for joining solar cells. It leaves no sticky residue, has a solids content of 1.8 %, and is non-corrosive.
Possible causes include organic inclusions in the surface metallization, flux components, or oxides dissolved in the solder. Void formation is also influenced by the interaction between the printed circuit board, component metallization, solder alloy, and process control.
