BASF joins hands with WoLai New Materials to jointly promote the development of the photovoltaic industry by integrating innovative solutions

On December 5, BASF and Wolay New Materials signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation. This cooperation aims to strengthen the technology and product innovation of both parties in the field of photovoltaic composite material frames, and jointly promote the development of green energy. further development to help achieve sustainable goals.

According to this memorandum, BASF’s Performance Materials Division and BASF’s Coatings Division will rely on the overall innovative solutions of composite materials and water-based coatings, as well as WoLai New Material’s exclusive patented advantages in frame design, installation structure and connection methods in the field of photovoltaic composite material frames. Jointly conduct extensive and in-depth cooperation in raw material supply, product development, market expansion, global promotion and other levels, work together to promote the application of polyurethane composite frames in the photovoltaic industry, and explore the photovoltaic industry in different scenarios such as “sea, desert, and house” future development.

Mr. Zhao Liang, Chairman and CEO of WoLai New Materials, said: “Composite material frames have very broad application prospects in the photovoltaic industry due to their excellent performance, lower prices, low carbon and environmental protection and many other advantages. We are very happy to join hands with BASF , to further deepen cooperation in the development, application and marketing of composite material frames. While providing cost-effective products for the market, it also promotes the application of composite material frames in the market. I believe that the cooperation between the two parties will definitely create new opportunities in the photovoltaic industry. New chemical effects accelerate the development of the industry.”

Ms. Silvia Mok, Vice President of Polyurethane Business Management Asia Pacific, BASF Performance Materials, said:

“I am very pleased to sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with Wolay New Materials. This also marks that the cooperation between the two parties has entered a deeper strategic development stage. I believe that with the synergy between BASF’s Performance Materials Division and Coatings Division in the field of chemical materials research and development, and innovation By actively exploring overall solutions, combined with WoLai New Material’s exclusive technical advantages and application channels in the field of composite frames, we will work together to contribute to the development and reserve of a new generation of products in the photovoltaic industry, and jointly lead the innovation of polyurethane composite frames in the photovoltaic industry. expand.”

Susann Kluge, Vice President, Automotive Refinish Business Management, BASF Coating Solutions Asia Pacific
The lady said: “Sustainable development is the purpose of BASF, which not only requires innovative thinking and technology, but also requires the full cooperation of relevant companies in the industry chain. BASF hopes to further deepen cooperation with companies related to the industry chain, through alternative raw materials and innovative processes , providing the photovoltaic industry with more cost-effective and lower-carbon products, thereby promoting the sustainable development of the photovoltaic industry.”

Polyurethane composite frame

The frame material is also called GFRP (Glass fiber reinforced polyurethane),
It is a glass fiber reinforced polyurethane composite material that is widely used in the automotive industry, bridge construction, aerospace and other fields. In recent years, with the continued development of the photovoltaic industry, this material has become a leader in material cost, equipment investment, production efficiency, and product quality. With many advantages such as service life and carbon footprint, it gradually replaces traditional aluminum photovoltaic frames and is used in various applications in the photovoltaic industry.

As a global-scale photovoltaic composite frame manufacturer, Wolai New Materials has developed three core application scenarios for offshore photovoltaics, large-scale ground photovoltaics, industrial and commercial and household rooftop photovoltaics. These three scenarios include sea, desert and housing. A completely different climate, environment and even aesthetic needs also put forward more stringent requirements for the use of materials.

In response to such demand, BASF has proposed an industry-leading overall innovative solution of composite materials + water-based coatings. Through the material and molding process of polyurethane pultruded frames, it can provide stronger mechanical properties, lighter weight, better insulation, and stability. Composite material frame with multiple excellent properties such as higher durability. At the same time, in response to different climate and environmental challenges, BASF’s composite polyurethane materials also perform well in salt spray resistance, PID resistance, panel sealing, wind pressure/snow pressure resistance and other properties, 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’s solution is 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. Enhance the overall weather resistance of the photovoltaic frame and ensure the stable power generation of the composite frame outdoors for 25 years. It is worth mentioning that BASF’s coating solutions can adapt to different color needs, enhance design freedom, and meet the aesthetic needs of residential and other applications. At the same time, compared with traditional solvent-based coatings, the use of BASF coating solutions can reduce VOC by nearly 90%, supporting green and sustainable development.

As an important part of promoting green energy, the photovoltaic industry urgently needs the joint efforts of many parties to promote the application of the overall market. It is believed that BASF’s one-stop combination solution can meet the innovation of different application scenarios of WoLai new materials. Both parties will continue to support the demand iteration of the overall photovoltaic industry and contribute to the realization of China’s net-zero emission goal.