SEMI International Standards
Standards New Activity Report Form (SNARF)
Date Prepared: 05/01/2025Revised (if Applicable):

Document Number: 7364
SNARF for: New Standard: Specification for Welding wire masking film for back contact photovoltaic modules

Originating Global Technical Committee: Photovoltaic
Originating TC Chapter: China
Task Force (TF) in which work is to be carried out: PV Module Task Force
Note: If a new task force is needed, also submit a task force organization form (TFOF)

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1. Rationale:
a. Describe the need or problem addressed by this activity.
(Indicate the customer, what benefits they will receive, and if possible, quantify the impact on the return on investment [ROI] if the Document is implemented.)
As the world transitions towards renewable energy, all-black solar modules have become an attractive option for consumers seeking a balance between efficiency and aesthetics. welding wire masking film are widely used in the fixation of exterior components of photovoltaic modules, including the masking of soldering strips between solar cells, the bonding of module frames and back sheets, and the fixation of nameplates and signs. While significantly enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the modules, they also increase the module's power output. As a key material, welding wire masking film urgently require unified standards.

Basic structure of welding wire masking film:
The adhesive layer uses a modified acrylic adhesive that has excellent adhesion properties to a wide range of substrates and maintains good bonding results even on rough or irregular surfaces.
Weather-resistant coatings provide the appearance tape with excellent moisture resistance, UV resistance and aging resistance, and can maintain stable performance in extreme temperature changes and complex environments.
The insulating layer makes the appearance tape have excellent electrical insulation properties, which is suitable for shading and insulation needs of photovoltaic modules.

Welding wire masking film performance difference from other materials
The appearance tape can make the color of the component unified, and reduce the color difference caused by the color inconsistency between the pieces and strings.

Performance Characteristics of welding wire masking film in Module Applications
Excellent heat resistance, its excellent basic performance fully adapts to the working state of photovoltaic modules, and can ensure the normal operation of photovoltaic modules


b. Estimate effect on industry.
2: Major effect on an industry sector - identify the relevant sector
Sector or Company Information: Photovoltaic Module

c. Estimate technical difficulty of the activity.
II: Some Difficulty - Disagreements on known requirements exist but developing consensus is possible

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2. Scope:
a: Describe the technical areas to be covered or addressed by this Document development activity. For Subordinate Standards, list common concepts or criteria that the Subordinate Standard inherits from the Primary Standard, as well as differences from the Primary Standard:
This standard specifies the classification, performance requirements, test methods, inspection rules, packaging, marking and storage of welding wire masking film for back contact photovoltaic modules.
This standard applies to polymer welding wire masking film for back contact photovoltaic modules, excluding welding wire masking film materials with other conductive functions.

b: Expected result of activity
New Standard or Safety Guideline (including replacement of an existing Standard or Safety Guideline)

For a new Subordinate Standard, identify the Primary Standard here:




For Standards, identify the Standard Subtype below:
Specification

Miscellaneous (describe below):

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3. Projected Timetable for Completion:

a: General Milestones
a. Activity Start: 04/01/2025b. 1st Draft by: 04/01/2026
c. (Optional) Informational Ballot by: d. Letter Ballot by: 05/01/2026
e. TC Chapter Approval By:11/30/2026

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4. Liaisons with other Global Technical Committees/TC Chapters/Subcommittees/TFs:
a. List SEMI global technical committees, TC Chapters, subcommittees, or task forces in your or other Regions/Locales that should be kept informed regarding the progress of this activity. (Refer to SEMI Standards organization charts and global technical committee charters and scopes as needed.)


b. List any planned Type I Liaisons with external nonprofit organizations (e.g., SDO) that should receive Draft Documents from Standards staff for feedback during this activity and be notified when the Letter Ballot is issued (refer to Procedure Manual § 7):


c. Intercommittee Ballots:
will be issued – identify the recipient global technical committee(s):

Identify the recipient global technical committee(s):
Photovoltaic (PV) - Materials
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5. Safety Considerations:
The resulting document is expected:
NOT to be a Safety Guideline

NOTE FOR "to be a Safety Guideline": When all safety-related information is removed from the Document, the Document is NOT technically sound and complete - Refer to Section 15.1 of the Regulations for special procedures to be followed.

NOTE FOR "NOT to be a Safety Guideline": When all safety-related information is removed from the Document, the Document is still technically sound and complete.

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6. Intellectual Property Considerations:
Note: Both a: and b: below should be checked for Revision of existing Standard(s) and Safety Guideline(s).

a. For a new Standard or Safety Guideline and for any part to be modified or added in a Revision of published Standards and Safety Guidelines:
the use of patented technology is NOT required.

If "patented technology is intended to be included in the proposed Standard(s) or Safety Guideline(s) " is selected above, then also check one:


b. For Revision, Reapproval, Reinstatement, or Withdrawal of existing Standard(s) and Safety Guideline(s):
there is no known material patented technology necessary to use or implement the Standard(s) and Safety Guideline(s)

c. The body of the Document and any Appendices, Complementary Files, Related Information sections, or Various Materials that may or may not be a part of the Document by reference:
the incorporation of Copyrighted Item will NOT be required



NOTE FOR ‘the use of patented technology or the incorporation of Copyrighted Item(s) is NOT required’: If in the course of developing the Document, it is determined that the use of patented technology or Copyrighted Item(s) is necessary for the Document, the provisions of Regulations § 16 must be followed.

NOTE FOR ’will incorporate Copyrighted Item’: A copyright release letter must be obtained from the copyright owner prior to publication.

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7. Comments, Special Circumstances:
None.

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8. TC Member Review:
took place between (put dates below ) before approval at the TC Chapter Meeting, or

Member Review Start Date; 04/30/2025
Member Review End Date: 05/14/2025

NOTE FOR ‘TC Member Review’ is required by the Regulations for a period of at least two weeks
before approval of a new, or a major revision of an existing, Standard or Safety Guideline. (Refer to Regulations ¶ 8.2.1)
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9. SNARF Approval Dates:
TC Chapter or GCS05/14/2025
Recorded in TC Minutes

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10. SNARF Extension Dates:
TC Chapter Extension Granted on
Extension Expires on