Sustainable solutions for solar energy

design loves energy efficiency

It is estimated that buildings use 39% of all energy consumed in the United States. When buildings are designed with a comprehensive approach towards energy efficiency, their energy consumption can be reduced significantly. This includes a well-sealed building envelop, with walls and roofs with high insulating values and energy efficient windows.

But taking advantage of exterior surfaces that are exposed to the sun - where energy can be collected and harvested - is also important.

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) represent a new way of utilizing solar energy in buildings. BIPV is a holistic building design and operating concept in which solar panels are molded into the shape of the building components to make aesthetically pleasing, yet functional materials that simultaneously serve as building envelope and power or heat generator.

BASF experts can work with manufacturers of materials for rooftops and facades to create BIPV products using BASF materials.

BASF solutions for framing

• Luran® S ASA plastics maintain their cosmetic and structural integrity for years. These UV-stable, weatherable plastics can be used for solar collector framing, fasteners, and a number of aesthetic components.
• Luran® GF-SAN products are high-modulus, low CLTE thermoplastics. They have a number of metal-replacement applications, lowering overall material and production costs
• Ultramid® polyamide (PA) and Ultradur® polybutyleneterephthalate (PBT) are thermoplastic engineering polymers used for high-quality, highly stressed engineering parts. They have the potential to replace metallic frames and mounting systems in solar applications.
• Colo-Fast® polyurethane casting system offers quick, economical and secure framing of photovoltaic and solar panels. The UV-stable system can be used to replace aluminum frames typically used in the past and opens up a variety of frame design opportunities for customers. Other benefits include better edge protection, and resistance to weathering and UV light.

BASF solutions for adhesives and sealants

• Oppanol® polyisobutylenes (PIBs) can be used to seal the edges of glass and silicon structures to prevent moisture and air infiltration. Used in conjunction with other sealant components, Oppanol PIBs are cost effective, efficient and durable solutions to protect the active components of solar panels. Oppanol-based products are already used in double and triple glazed insulated glass manufacturing processes.

BASF solutions for light stabilization for film manufacturing and framing components

• Uvinul®, Chimassorb® and Tinuvin® UV absorbers can help maintain clarity in the entire system, allowing for a maximized absorbance of electricity-generating light to the amorphous silicon that makes the cell functional.
• Lumogen® IR 1050 and 1050 PC, BASF's newest high performance solar solutions, are designed for use in transparent applications. This technology involves absorbing the near infrared (NIR) radiation at the outside of the automobile or building, and releasing the heat outside thereby reducing the interior temperature up to 20°C (36°F).

BASF solutions for heat load reduction

• Meteor®, Sicopal® and Sicotan® NIR-reflective pigments with optimized spectral behavior reduce the energy absorbed from the sun by reflecting NIR radiation. These pigments can be formulated in both coating and plastic applications for use in roofing granules, roofing membranes, window profiles, coil coatings for roofs and thermoplastic shingles.
• Lumogen®, Heliogen®, Paliotol® and Paliogen® NIR transparent organic pigments allow NIR radiation to pass through the pigmented layer and be reflected by the substrate. These pigments combine very good weatherability and light resistance with the strength of an organic pigment, and can be used in plastics and coatings applications.
• Xfast® Black 0095 stir-in dry pigment offers stir-in dispersibility in aqueous systems. The Xfast Black 0095 offers the NIR reflection of Sicopal Black K 0095 in a ready to use stir-in form that allows for ease of use without milling for emulsified systems.

• Elastrospray® is an applied urethane product engineered to meet performance criteria for every code and climate. Proven products for residential and commercial applications include high performance roofing systems, roof reinforcement, insulating air barriers, insulating air sealants in kits and cans, adhesives, coatings and application equipment. BASF also provides specialized training for applicators and continuing education credits for design professionals.
• Elastopor® and Autofroth® rigid polyurethane foams have a closed-cell structure that provides superior insulation performance as well as structural and design enhancing physical properties. Polyurethane foams have an R-rating of 6.7 per inch. These products are foamed-in-place for reduced material waste, decreased skilled labor requirements and improved manufacturing productivity. They can be molded to a wide range of shapes and sizes and can be painted or laminated. They adhere well to a wide range of substrates, eliminating the need for adhesives. These foam chemicals can be processed through Autofroth SL or conventional urethane processing equipment. The rigid structure of these foams increases their strength and resistance to moisture, mold, mildew and insects. Elastopor and Autofroth polyurethane systems are available with Zero Ozone Depleting Technology, using blowing agents approved by the EPA's Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program, designed to evaluate and regulate substitutes for the ozone-depleting chemicals that are being phased out under the stratospheric ozone protection provisions of the Clean Air Act (CAA). BASF's customized formulations meet building codes and various customer requirements.

BASF solutions for exterior wall systems

• Sonoclastic® family of joint sealants offers high-performance, flexible sealants for most construction applications. This line includes silyl-terminated polyether and polyurethane sealants in non-sag and self-leveling grades. The moisture-curing sealants provide bulk sealant material in a full portfolio of colors for large applications. These sealants are an integral component for a well-sealed building envelope.
• Radiance^™ e-0.25 AB-C is a low-e attic barrier that is formulated to be sprayed on the underside of the roof deck. The reduction of radiant energy absorption by the roof makes the dwelling more energy-efficient, resulting in lower energy consumption.

BASF solutions for protection
E-por® marks a new milestone in innovative packaging: it is the first multishock-safe foam that can be stored, processed and recycled just like EPS. Excellent crack resistance and elasticity, a velvet touch surface and a small particle size make E-por the first choice for the protection of high-value products. With a minimum amount of blowing agent, transport and storage at room temperature as well as low processing energies, E-por sets new standards for cost-efficient and sustainable packaging solutions.

For additional information regarding materials that can be used for high energy-efficient building envelopes, please visit our BASF Construction Web site: www.construction.basf.us.