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Solar energy: an attractive prospect

New photovoltaic modules give the appearance of a continuous surface (top right), unlike conventional systems (bottom).

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New photovoltaic modules give the appearance of a continuous surface (top right), unlike conventional systems (bottom).

A successful collaboration between Bayer MaterialScience and its customer Solon SE of Berlin has yielded a prestigious innovation award, with Solon being honored at the “Symposium on Photovoltaic Solar Energy” for its photovoltaic module. The solar module has an innovative frame with an integrated mounting system based on the polyurethane foam Bayflex®, replacing the conventional installation system. This design makes an expensive substructure unnecessary.

The polyurethane sheathing of solar modules also opens up a whole range of design opportunities in terms of color and shape. In contrast to the conspicuous box-like structure of solar systems with aluminum frames, a network of several solar modules with polyurethane frames gives the appearance of a continuous surface.

Customers of Bayer MaterialScience have long used the Bayflex® polyurethane system as sheathing for automotive glazing.