Description
Rubber Bellows and Components for Photovoltaic Systems
Barbieri Rubber produces rubber bellows and components for photovoltaic systems: protections of moving parts in solar tracking systems, anti-vibration feet, caps, grommets and flat seals for inverters, electrical cabinets and support structures. The reference compound for photovoltaic is EPDM, chosen for maximum resistance to UV, ozone, water and atmospheric agents, essential for outdoor applications.
Typical photovoltaic requirements
Photovoltaic systems require rubber components with resistance to UV, ozone, water, thermal swings, wind, dust and external contamination. Components must maintain stable performance through repeated tracking cycles, constant solar radiation exposure and temperatures from -40 to +90 °C. Rubber degradation under UV is one of the main factors driving compound selection.
Most requested photovoltaic components
Most requested sector components: modular bellows for solar-tracking moving-part protection (motors, actuators, rotation shafts), EPDM flat seals for inverter and cabinet closure, anti-vibration feet for inverter and transformer units, grommets for string and combiner-box wiring, caps and paint protections for metal structures.
Typical compounds for photovoltaic
EPDM is the absolute reference compound for photovoltaic applications, thanks to its outstanding resistance to UV, ozone and atmospheric agents. VMQ silicone is an alternative for extended temperature range or maximum life in harsh environments. Typical hardness 50-70 Shore A. NBR is incompatible with prolonged outdoor exposure and must be avoided in photovoltaic.
| Compound | Temperature range | Feature | Typical applications |
| NBR (Nitrile) | -40 / +130 °C | Mineral oil resistance | Hydraulics, automotive |
| EPDM | -40 / +100 °C | Water, steam, ozone, UV | Hydraulics, outdoor, photovoltaic |
| VMQ (Silicone) | -60 / +200 °C | High temperature | Food, high-T |
| FKM (Viton®) | -10 / +180 °C | Aggressive oils, solvents | Chemical, automotive, hydraulics |
| HNBR | -20 / +160 °C | Oil + high temperature | Heavy-duty hydraulics |
| NR / SBR | -50 / +90 °C | Mechanical elasticity | Anti-vibration, general |
Standard and custom photovoltaic components
Most photovoltaic components are available as catalog rubber items: modular bellows, anti-vibration feet, EPDM flat seals, grommets. For tracking-system, inverter or support-structure manufacturers we produce items on drawing with dedicated tooling: at least a preliminary drawing from the customer is required. The dedicated mold is manufactured in cooperation with our trusted toolmaking partners.
Frequently asked questions
Which compound should I choose for photovoltaic?
EPDM is the absolute reference compound for photovoltaic, thanks to excellent resistance to UV, ozone and atmospheric agents. VMQ silicone is an alternative for extended temperature range. NBR must be avoided in photovoltaic.
Do you produce bellows for solar tracking systems?
Yes. Modular bellows for solar-tracking moving-part protection are catalog items. All bellows, modular and not, can be produced on drawing for custom geometries. Standard compound EPDM for UV resistance.
Do you produce custom items for inverters and cabinets?
Yes. EPDM flat seals for inverters and electrical cabinets can be produced on drawing for custom geometries. At least a preliminary drawing from the customer is required.
Are compounds certified for UV exposure?
Yes. Barbieri Rubber EPDM compounds are formulated for UV and ozone resistance. On request we supply technical data and conformity documentation for photovoltaic-supplier qualification.
