Thermal Management in Solar and Wind Electronics: Adhesives That Perform

Greetings from ConRo Electronics! We know how important it is to keep solar inverters and wind turbine electronics running cool and reliable. That’s why choosing the right thermally conductive adhesive glue is essential—it ensures great heat dissipation in electronics, supports long-lasting performance, and keeps your systems running efficiently. In this post, we’ll highlight five top-performing thermally conductive adhesives and share real-world examples of how they’re used in renewable energy equipment.

Why thermal adhesives matter in solar and wind power

Renewable energy systems like photovoltaics (PV) and wind turbine electronics generate significant heat. Without adequate cooling, component lifespans shorten and efficiency drops. Traditional joining methods (such as screws and clips) leave tiny gaps between components, which hinder heat transfer. That's where thermally conductive adhesive comes in: it fills those voids, bonds components to heatsinks or housings, and enhances heat dissipation in electronics. Crucially, it provides mechanical stability—a key benefit over simple thermal pastes.

Top-performing adhesives for renewable-energy electronics

1. 3M Thermally Conductive Adhesive Transfer Tapes (8805–8820)

   These thin thermally conductive adhesive tapes, filled with ceramic, are easy to apply, pressure‑activated, and respond well to pressure‑temperature curing. They offer:

   • Thermal conductivity of around 0.6 W/m·K
   • Excellent surface wet‑out, halogen‑free formulation, and strong adhesion
   • Ideal for low-profile bonding between PCBs and heatsinks in solar inverters or wind turbine control modules

    

2. 3M Thermally Conductive Epoxy Adhesive TC‑2810

   This boron-nitride‑filled epoxy delivers:

   • Thermal conductivity between 1.0‑1.4 W/m·K
   • High adhesive strength, low viscosity, and minimal outgassing
   • Perfect for high-performance solar power modules or wind turbine pitch system electronics

      

3. 3M Thermally Conductive Polyurethane Potting Adhesive TC‑2920F

   Ideal for potting entire modules, this flame‑retardant two-component adhesive offers:

   • Thermal conductivity of 0.8 W/m·K and UL 94 V‑0 rating
   • Designed for harsh environments, such as offshore wind turbine power electronics
   • Low exothermic reaction makes it safe for delicate components

      

4. DOWSIL SE 4486 Thermally Conductive Adhesive

   A one‑part silicone adhesive with:

   • Thermal conductivity of 1.6 W/m·K
   • Room‑temperature cure and fast tack-free time—ideal for quick assembly
   • Commonly used in ECUs, power devices, and electronics in renewables

      

5. Loctite ABLESTIK 3888 Silver‑Filled Electrically Conductive Adhesive

This two-part, room‑temperature cure epoxy is both thermally and electrically conductive. It delivers:

• Thermal conductivity of around 1.50 W/m·K
• Excellent electrical conductivity, making it a suitable alternative to solder for PCB adhesive tasks
• Bonding strength to metals, ceramics, rubbers and plastics with a 24–48 hour cure time

Real-world use in solar electronics

In solar energy systems, thermally conductive adhesive products are essential for securing components like power transistors, IGBTs, and diodes to heatsinks inside inverters and junction boxes. By creating a strong thermal pathway, they support effective heat dissipation in electronics, helping systems stay cool and run efficiently. Since most solar cells convert only around 15-20% of sunlight into electricity, the remaining energy becomes heat—making thermally conductive adhesive solutions vital for preventing thermal damage.

Real-world use in wind turbine electronics

In wind turbine systems, thermally conductive adhesive glue is essential for potting, bonding, and protecting electronics exposed to vibration, moisture, and temperature swings. In nacelle-mounted control units, pitch systems, and converters, products like 3M thermally conductive adhesive TC‑2920F or TC‑2810 offer stable thermal pathways and mechanical integrity. They’re also used to bond stators, secure sensors to housings, and maintain electrical continuity in harsh offshore environments. In field repairs or maintenance, fast-curing silicones like DOWSIL SE 4486 help technicians restore thermal management quickly, improving uptime and reliability across turbine fleets.

Conclusion

From wind turbines to PV inverters, choosing the right thermally conductive adhesive glue ensures reliable performance, excellent heat dissipation in electronics, and long-term durability. Products like 3M thermally conductive adhesives, including films, epoxies and potting compounds, provide a wide range of options for thermal management. ConRo Electronics stocks these top-performing adhesives with full batch traceability and same-day dispatch from our UK site. Explore our range on the Conro Electronics website today!

Feel free to contact us on 0208 953 1211 or send us an email to info@conro.com