Covestro receives polyurethane certificate for solar composite frames from TÜV SÜD
On May 25, at the 16th (2023) International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Conference & Exhibition (referred to as SNEC), Covestro was honored with the polyurethane certificate for solar composite frames. The certificate was issued by TÜV SÜD, the world’s leading certification and testing organization for photovoltaic and smart energy products. The achievement solidifies Covestro’s position as one of the pioneering companies worldwide to receive this prestigious certificate.
The polyurethane certificate from TÜV SÜD serves as a fundamental certification for assessing the performance requirements of polymer materials in the photovoltaic industry. Under TÜV SÜD’s technical specification PPP 58208A, extensive testing was conducted on Covestro’s Baydur® polyurethane resin, evaluating its mechanical properties, substrate physical properties, flame retardant grades, and heat resistance. The resin excelled across all parameters during the rigorous testing process.
During the ceremony, Zhang Zhulin, Operations Director of the Smart Energy Department and President of the Institute for Reliability and Standardization at TÜV SÜD remarked, “This certificate not only acknowledges Covestro’s Baydur® resin for its exceptional performance and reliability, but also serves as a strong testament to Covestro’s R&D prowess in the field of polyurethane. TÜV SÜD remains dedicated to providing secure and sustainable solutions that safeguard individuals, the environment, and assets from technological risks, thereby fostering progress for businesses and society as a whole. We anticipate future collaborations with Covestro in advancing technology.”
The frame plays a vital role as an auxiliary material in solar panel modules. Its functions include safeguarding the glass edges, enhancing sealing performance, increasing overall mechanical strength, and facilitating the transportation and installation of photovoltaic modules. The performance of the frame directly impacts the service life of solar panel modules, aiming for an outdoor lifespan of approximately 25 years. Covestro has been developing innovative polymer solutions for the renewable energy industry over the years. In response to the solar industry’s demand for cost reduction and enhanced efficiency, Covestro introduced polyurethane composite frames made of Baydur® resin reinforced with glass fiber through a pultrusion process. Covestro participated in the SNEC for the first time with exhibits at booth W2-388. The PU composite frames not only meet stringent mechanical properties and durability requirements, but also improve overall cost.
Furthermore, the PU composite frames exhibit superior resistance to acids, alkalis, and salt, surpassing the performance of aluminum alloy. This feature makes them highly suitable for high humidity and salt spray-prone areas. Additionally, as a non-metallic insulating material, the PU composite frames reduce the occurrence of Potential-Induced Degradation (PID), thereby improving the power generation efficiency of solar panels.
Markus Mingenbach, Vice President of PU Specialties at Covestro, said, “I’m very proud that Baydur® polyurethane has received one of the world’s first polyurethane certificates for solar composite frames from TÜV SÜD. At Covestro, we place paramount importance on product safety. TÜV SÜD is an esteemed technology partner, and this certificate significantly enhances the technical credibility of composite frames for mass production. Moving forward, Covestro will collaborate with diverse stakeholders throughout the value chain, fostering technological advancements in the photovoltaic industry, and actively contributing to the realization of a circular economy.”
Obtaining authoritative certification marks a crucial milestone for the widespread adoption of new materials in large-scale production. Covestro has now obtained another international authoritative photovoltaic material certification, further enhancing the prospects of polyurethane composite frames. With this achievement, PV module manufacturers now have a new and compelling alternative to traditional aluminum alloy frames, offering excellent performance and competitive pricing.
About Smart Energy Department of TÜV SÜD:
TÜV SÜD has been deeply engaged in the Chinese photovoltaic and smart energy industry for over a decade, with rich experience in testing and certification. It can provide one-stop, multi-market technical solutions for the entire industry chain from raw materials to system terminals. TÜV SÜD actively participates in the research and formulation of standards in the photovoltaic and smart energy fields and provides testing and certification technical services to a wide range of enterprises. It has multiple (including cooperative) testing centers and nearly a hundred technical experts in Shanghai, Suzhou, Nanjing, Yangzhou, Changzhou, Wuxi, Shenzhen, Beijing, Tianjin, Hainan and other regions, making it a leading global supplier of certification and testing services for photovoltaic and smart energy products.
About Covestro:
Covestro 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. Covestro 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 Covestro are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, cosmetics and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself.
The company is committed to becoming fully circular and is striving to become climate neutral by 2035 (scope 1 and 2). Covestro generated sales of EUR 18 billion in fiscal 2022. At the end of 2022, the company had 50 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 18,000 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 Covestro AG. 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 Covestro’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.