BASF partners with Wordlight Material to promote photovoltaic composite frames

According to the MoU, BASF Performance Materials division and BASF Coatings division will leverage their innovative solutions of composite materials and water-based coatings, as well as on Worldlight Material’s patented assets in frame design, installation structure and connection methods in the field of photovoltaic composite frames. Both parties will jointly conduct extensive and in-depth cooperation in raw material supply, product development, market expansion, global promotion and other aspects. They will work together to promote the application of polyurethane composite frames in the photovoltaic industry, and explore future developments for the photovoltaic industry in different scenarios such as “sea, desert, and house.”

As a photovoltaic composite frame manufacturer, Worldlight Material has developed three main applications: offshore photovoltaics, large-scale ground-mounted photovoltaics, industrial and commercial photovoltaics, and domestic rooftop photovoltaics. The three completely different climates, environments and even aesthetic needs “sea, desert and home” also impose stricter requirements on the use of materials.

In response to such requirements, BASF has proposed an innovative solution of composite materials + water-based coatings. Through the material and molding process of polyurethane pultruded frames, it can provide composite material frames with a variety of excellent properties such as stronger mechanical properties, lighter weight, better insulation, and higher stability.

At the same time, in response to different climate and environmental challenges, BASF’s composite polyurethane materials also perform well in salt spray resistance, panel sealing, wind pressure/snow pressure resistance, etc., protecting a variety of outdoor applications. It is particularly worth mentioning that compared with traditional aluminum alloy frame materials, polyurethane composite materials can significantly reduce the carbon emissions of the entire life cycle of photovoltaic frames.

BASF solutions are also specially formulated with a water-based two-component polyurethane coating, which has excellent adhesion properties on polyurethane composite materials and also has good wear resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and UV resistance. This enhances the overall weather resistance of the photovoltaic frame and ensures stable power generation of the composite frame outdoors for 25 years. BASF adds that its coating solutions can adapt to different color needs and enhance design freedom. At the same time, compared with traditional solvent-based coatings, the use of BASF coating solutions can reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by nearly 90%, supporting green and sustainable development.