Sustainable solutions for solar energy

silicon loves low cost

Wafers made from crystalline silicon are the most common semiconductor material used in the production of solar cells. Traditional silicon-based solar cells are stable and efficient - they offer the best efficiency today at about 20% - but they are also expensive. In fact, they represent about half of the cost of a finished module.

With our products, expertise in chemistry, and focus on achieving sustainable solutions, BASF can help producers of silicon wafer-based solar cells and panels improve their products. From the production of silicon wafers to the delivery of finished panels, BASF can help manufacturers in their quest to achieve greater efficiency, while reducing production costs and consequently contribute to lower prices.

BASF solutions for silicon wafer production

• The Seluris™ portfolio offers innovative chemical solutions for cutting, etching, texturing, and doping mono- and polycrystalline solar cells. Seluris chemicals are specifically designed for the solar cell manufacturing process, with purity levels tailored for use in solar cell production.
• Pluriol® E cutting fluids can be used as cooling and lubricating agents in the wafer manufacturing process when the wafers are sawn from high-purity silicon blocks.
• Exactus® optical temperature sensors provide the accuracy and precision necessary for silicon wafer production. Exactus sensors enhance control of critical processes; whether in single crystal ingot pulling, polycrystalline casting, or ribbon pulling; improving quality and yield.

BASF solutions for solar cell production

• A new, contact-free laser transfer printing (LTP) process and lead-free pastes for metallization from BASF and Schmid offers customers advantages with regard to handling and increases the efficiency of solar cell production.
• BASF's advanced Exactus® optical temperature sensors and thermocouples control critical deposition and doping processes in the manufacturing of solar cells. Exactus's capability to measure low temperatures at short wavelengths can enable higher product yield.

BASF solutions for solar panel framing

• 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.
• 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.
• Exactus® optical temperature sensors provide the low-temperature capability, speed, and repeatability necessary for tabber/stringer process steps. Our capabilites can increase quality and yield during laser or induction soldering of individual solar cells into modules.

BASF solutions for assembly 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 protect the resin system from the sun's damaging rays. This UV protection can extend the physical durability of the resins so that they will retain their physical characteristics. These 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.
• Irgafos®, Irganox®, and Irgastab® processing and thermal stabilizers prevent resins from degrading during the high temperature extrusion processes that the encapsulating and protective top layer resins undergo. These products have been used for years for alternate end use applications.

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.

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.