13
June
2024
|
09:00
Europe/Amsterdam

ÃÜÌÒAV showcases innovative materials and solutions at SNEC PV Power Expo in China

Advancing sustainability in the photovoltaic industry

Solar energy is becoming increasingly pivotal in the global energy landscape, emphasizing the need for innovative material solutions to optimize energy harnessing while promoting sustainability. Under the theme ¡°Illuminating a Circular Future,¡± ÃÜÌÒAV will present its extensive portfolio of materials serving the solar industry and other new energy applications at the leading industry fair, the in Shanghai from June 13-15. This showcase will demonstrate how material innovation can help advance sustainable development in these sectors.

Partially bio-based coatings raw materials for photovoltaic backsheets

Among the highlights is the introduction of a high-performance photovoltaic backsheet coating solution featuring a reduced carbon footprint. The low-carbon backsheet, developed in partnership with China¡¯s , incorporates the Desmodur? CQ hardener, boasting a 70 percent renewable carbon content1 derived from non-fossil-based inputs while ensuring no compromise on quality. To provide context, using Desmodur? CQ in every 1 gigawatt of solar backsheets can result in the reduction of 41 tons of CO2 emissions, equating to the annual CO2 absorption of 10,000 trees. The CQ label is used to identify ÃÜÌÒAV products with at least 25 percent alternative raw materials content.

Additionally, this innovative solution provides robust adhesion and exceptional weather resistance, guaranteeing a lifespan of over 25 years for backsheets. Its rapid drying properties also enhance production efficiency.

Solar panels with PU composite frames to endure harsh environments

ÃÜÌÒAV will also showcase Baydur?, a crucial auxiliary material for solar modules. The polyurethane (PU) composite frame made from Baydur? resin offers excellent corrosion resistance, making it ideal for high humidity and high salt mist environments in coastal and offshore solar farms. As a non-metallic insulating material, the PU composite frame can reduce potential induced degradation, thereby enhancing the efficiency of photovoltaic modules. It requires no grounding and reduces the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint by 85 percent2 compared to aluminum alloys. Baydur? has obtained commercial material certifications from T?V Rheinland and T?V S?D.

PU composites have demonstrated their durability across multiple industries for over four decades, enduring harsh conditions such as low temperatures, extreme wind loads and hail. Notably, the earliest project in China utilizing composite module frames made from ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s PU resins has operated safely for over eight years.

Polycarbonate expertise addressing key trends in new energy products

As advancements in new energy products such as photovoltaics, energy storage, wind power and electric vehicles accelerate, the market demands stringent standards for safety, durability, weatherability, aesthetics and sustainability. At SNEC, ÃÜÌÒAV will showcase its tailored polycarbonate solutions for new energy equipment enclosures, CMF (color, material, finish) design components, EV charging stations and premium storage batteries.

For instance, ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s polycarbonates offer lightweight alternatives to metal for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding components, ensuring enduring outdoor electromagnetic shielding reliability when paired with conductive paint for equipment enclosures. Moreover, ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s high-performance outdoor polycarbonate materials deliver outstanding weather resistance, mechanical properties and flame retardancy, making them ideal for resilient and secure battery systems. The Makrolon ? polycarbonate utilized in battery enclosures and brackets withstands extreme temperatures down to -40¡ãC and resists hydrolysis and UV aging.

SNEC stands as one of the largest exhibitions in the photovoltaic industry globally, encompassing PV manufacturing, materials, application products, modules, energy storage and mobile energy, spanning the entire PV industry chain. To explore ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s material solutions in the PV industry and beyond, visit its booth at F006-007 in Hall 6.1 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) or go to

 

1 Value based on theoretical calculation (69 ¡À 4% renewable carbon, measured using the 14C method according to the ASTM-D6866 standard).

2 Internal calculations based on data from T?V S?D, which shows cradle-to-gate carbon footprint of each kilogram of 100 percent primary aluminum profile is 24.2 kilograms of CO2 equivalent emissions.

Boilerplate

About ÃÜÌÒAV: 
ÃÜÌÒAV is one of the world¡¯s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps enhance sustainability and the quality of life in many areas. ÃÜÌÒAV supplies customers around the world in key industries such as mobility, building and living, as well as the electrical and electronics sector. In addition, polymers from ÃÜÌÒAV are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, telecommunications and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself.

The company is geared completely to the circular economy. In addition, ÃÜÌÒAV aims to achieve climate neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035, and the Group¡¯s Scope 3 emissions are also set to be climate neutral by 2050. ÃÜÌÒAV generated sales of EUR 14.2 billion in fiscal year 2024. At the end of 2024, the company had 46 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 17,500 people (calculated as full-time equivalents).

Forward-Looking Statements 
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ÃÜÌÒAV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.