Overview

Venting to Improve Performance, Value and Profit
Protective Vents for Solar Energy Systems - Applications

Solar energy systems are challenged by the changing demands of evolving technologies, by harsh operating conditions that can threaten performance, and by customer demands for decades-long service life.

Advanced venting solutions from Gore can help reduce engineering complexity and fabrication costs while maintaining higher system efficiency over the long lifespan customers expect.

 

 

 

GORE Protective Vents for solar system housings are engineered to deliver higher performance over the long term, helping solar systems to do the same. Gore vents:

  • provide rapid pressure equalization to ensure the seals maintain the original level of Ingress Protection (IP) rating over the life of the product;
  • block ingress of liquids and contaminants like salts, sand, or dust;
  • diffuse water vapor more effectively, minimizing condensation damage and improving system power output;
  • are available in screw-in, snap-fit or welded membrane styles for easy integration into any housing design;
  • are tested and proven to meet the world’s most demanding enclosure-protection standards including Underwriters Laboratory (UL), Technischer Überwachungsverein (TÜV) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

    GORE® Protective Vents can help your enclosure meet IP and NEMA protection standards. 

    Learn More

    Why Vent?

    Electronic enclosures that are installed outdoors are vulnerable to a wide range of environmental hazards that can affect the performance, reliability and life expectancy of the sensitive electronics within.

    Problems for Outdoor Electronics:

    Failed Seals

    GORE Protective Vents equalize overpressures and vacuums that would stress the seals of outdoor telecom enclosures.

    GORE® Vents protects seals from stress by continuously equalizing over-pressures or vacuums within

    Pressure differentials are created when a sealed enclosure is exposed to rapid, extreme or recurring changes in ambient conditions. Extreme changes in temperature (a sudden thunderstorm on a hot, sunny day), altitude changes (in transit), or the repetitive heating and cooling cycles of internal telecommunications components — any of these can cause a pressure differential within a sealed enclosure. A rapid decrease in temperature, for example, can create a vacuum inside the enclosure. If this pressure differential is not dissipated, the vacuum places continual stress on the housing seals. Over time, this can cause seals to fail, allowing moisture and other contaminants such as dust, dirt and other particulates to be drawn inside, and compromising the functionality of components like telecom air filters, for example.

    Condensation

    GORE® Protective Vents allow moisture to escape from electronics enclosures for heavy-duty equipment.
    Moisture can also get inside telecommunication enclosures by diffusion — the process by which vapor moves by natural molecular motion through the walls of a polymer enclosure. When water vapor enters a sealed enclosure and has no way to escape, it will condense to a liquid state. If this condensation remains inside the sealed enclosure, it can compromise lens function and corrode sensitive electronics and battery contacts used in “hot” telecommunication systems, or those used for network cabinet cooling.
    Reliable Solutions with GORE Protective Vents:

    Equalize Pressures to Protect Housing Enclosures and Seals

    Prevent Contamination to Protect Electronics

    Reduce Condensation to Protect Against Corrosion

    Protect Against Hazardous Gas Buildup

    During normal operation and recharging cycles, batteries can generate heat and emit hydrogen or other gases. This can create a hazardous, or even explosive, situation. GORE Protective Vents effectively dissipate hazardous gas molecules. By continuously equalizing pressures inside and outside the battery compartment, they reduce explosion hazards, while maintaining an effective barrier to liquids and particulates.

    Gas molecules pass through the membrane

    Applications

    Venting Solutions for a Variety of Solar Applications
    Junction Box
    Junction Box Water can cause corrosion and shorts to the electronics in junction boxes. By equalizing pressure inside the box, GORE Protective Vents prevent stress on the housing seals, so water cannot enter.
    CPV Modules
    CPV Modules The large dimensions of the CPV modules make them susceptible to pressure differentials caused by temperature changes. Installing GORE Protective Vents in the housing equalizes pressure and increases efficiency.
    String Combiner Box
    String Combiner Box Regardless of the size and volume of the string combiner box, Gore can customize a venting solution to ensure the reliability of the seals and gaskets, protecting the connectors from shorts caused by water.
    Tracking Equipment
    Tracking Equipment Exposure to water and other contaminants can compromise the mechanical components of the tracking system. GORE Protective Vents provide a barrier against liquid and other contaminants that can lead to corrosion.
    Micro / String Inverter
    Micro / String Inverter Corrosion can quickly damage the sensitive electronics inside the micro/string inverter. GORE Protective Vents prevent degradation by providing a durable barrier against water, oils and other liquids.
    Monitoring Equipment
    Monitoring Equipment Condensation can compromise the performance of control components. By allowing moisture vapor to diffuse easily, GORE Protective Vents reduce the potential for condensation inside the enclosures.

     

    Product Comparison

    Adhesive Vents

    Adhesive Series

    Screw-in Vents

    Screw-In Series

    Snap-in Vents

    Snap-In Series

    IP / NEMA Rating

    Better Ingress Protection

    Find out which of our vents can help your enclosure deliver the desired protection level according to Ingress Protection (IP) or NEMA Standards.

    Resources

    GORE® Protective Vents - Solar Energy Systems - Brochure

    GORE® Protective Vents - Solar Energy Systems

    Brochures, 1.33 MB

    View all resources for GORE Protective Vents for Solar Energy Systems

    Recent News

    Event

    Discover the world of Gore at IEEE SENSORS 2023 in Vienna, Austria!

    October 29, 2023 - November 1, 2023

    Join us at IEEE SENSORS 2023, a renowned event in the field of sensor technology and innovation. We are excited to announce that W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH will be unveiling cutting-edge solutions at booth #14 during the conference, taking place in Vienna, Austria from October 29 to November 01, 2023.

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    Visit Gore at MEMS & Imaging Sensors Summit in Grenoble (France)

    September 19, 2023 - September 21, 2023

    Join us at the highly anticipated MEMS & Imaging Sensors Summit, a premier event in field of sensor technology and innovation. We are excited to announce that our company will be showcasing our latest cutting-edge solutions at booth #19 during the summit, held in the picturesque city of Grenoble, France from September 19 to 21, 2023.

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    Join us at iVT Expo 2023

    August 23, 2023 - August 24, 2023

    Visit Booth 1400 at this year’s Industrial & Off Highway Vehicle Expo in Chicago to see GORE® Protective Vents for Heavy-Duty Equipment in action.

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    Join us at the MEMS & Sensor Technical Congress in Massachusetts

    May 23, 2023 - May 24, 2023

    As one of the event sponsors we invite you to stop by any time to meet with our team at the MEMS & Sensor Technical Congress in Massachusetts, from May 23 to 24, 2023.

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