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

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,” Covestro will present its extensive portfolio of materials serving the solar industry and other new energy applications at the leading industry fair, the SNEC PV Power Expo 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 Huitian New Material, 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 Covestro 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

Covestro 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 TÜV Rheinland and TÜV SÜD.

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 Covestro’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, Covestro 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, Covestro’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, Covestro’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°C 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 Covestro’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 Covestro at SNEC 2024 | Covestro AG. 

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

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