Performance Polymers

Empowering wind and solar energy

Large-scale solar panels and onshore wind turbines generate renewable energy in a natural landscape at sunrise.

Countries, companies and private consumers around the world are turning towards renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve energy independence. At BASF Performance Materials, we provide materials that enable the global transition towards renewable energy. We also demonstrate our commitment by securing renewable energy supplies for our sites.

What are BASF solutions for wind and solar applications?

BASF offers a variety of solutions for renewable energy applications such as wind turbines, solar energy systems and photovoltaic components. High quality materials such as Ultramid® (PA), Ultradur® (PBT), Elasturan® (PBT) and Elastocoat® (PU) ensure durability, electrical insulation and long-term performance even in changing weather conditions. You can learn more about BASF’s solutions by clicking on the image below.
PU infusion Elastocoat® C

Blade shell infusion

PU cast material Elasturan®

Leading edge protection 

PU infusion Elastocoat® C

Shear web

PU cast elastomers: Elasturan®

Blade add-ons

Ultramid® 8233G HS BK106

Flat roof mount

Ultramid® A3X  product series

Photovoltaic connector

Ultramid® A and Ultramid® Advanced flame-retardant portfolio

Junction box

Ultradur® flame retardant portfolio

IGBT

PU adhesive Elastan®

Blade adhesive

PU adhesive Elastan is a BASF wind power application
Multiple offshore wind turbines operate in a marine environment, generating renewable electricity from wind resources.

Wind Energy

Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable energy, with wind farms being built all over the world. Our PU systems for wind energy applications help to make wind turbines more efficient and reliable. Our segment-focused experts will find the solution that matches your needs!

And we use wind energy ourselves at BASF: Together with other companies, we have built one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms in the North Sea.

BASF's wind power applications

Leading edge protection

✓ Customization possible

✓ High durability also under strong mechanical load

✓ Aromatic or aliphatic TPU film

✓ Significantly higher durability

Blade shell infusion

✓ Main geometry of the blade

✓ Faster curing at lower temperature than competitive material, resulting in reduced production costs

✓ Thinner parts possible due to higher mechanical strength

PU adhesive Elastan is a BASF wind power application
Blade adhesives

✓ Long open processing time

✓ High e-modulus combined with high toughness

✓ Easy processing

 

 

Shear web

✓ Increase stiffness, uptake shear strength

✓ Faster curing at lower temperature than competitive material, leading to reduced production coasts

✓ Thinner parts possible due to higher mechanical strength

Solar Energy

Advancements in technology have made solar energy more efficient and cost-effective than ever before. Solar panels and photovoltaic systems are now installed on homes and businesses, large-scale solar farms and offshore solar platforms are being built around the world to provide clean energy to entire communities – or to BASF production sites like in Schwarzheide, Germany. For the electronic components of these installations, BASF offers special grades of the engineering plastics Ultramid® (PA) and Ultradur® (PBT). Our experts will guide you to a solution customized to your needs!

BASF’s solar power applications

Flat roof mount

✓ High mechanical strength 

✓ High elongation at break

✓ Excellent for outdoor use

IGBT

✓ High comparative tracking index (CTI)­

✓ High relative temperature index (RTI)

✓ UL 94 VD

Consult with an expert

Self-service solutions:       Downloads         Finders

FAQ


Q: What materials are used in wind turbines?

Wind turbines use a variety of advanced materials, including polyurethane systems, engineering plastics, composites, and protective coatings. These materials contribute to structural integrity, durability, weather resistance, and long-term performance in demanding environments.

 

Q: Which BASF products support solar energy systems?

BASF offers materials such as Ultramid® (PA) and Ultradur® (PBT) for electrical and electronic components used in solar energy systems. These materials help provide mechanical strength, electrical insulation, and reliability in outdoor applications.

 

Q: What is Ultramid® used for in solar applications?

Ultramid® (PA) is used in various electrical and electronic components within photovoltaic systems. Its mechanical strength, thermal stability, and electrical properties make it suitable for demanding solar energy applications.

 

Q: Which materials can help protect wind turbine components?

Protective coating and polyurethane systems can help shield wind turbine components against moisture, environmental exposure, and mechanical wear. These materials support longer service life and reduced maintenance requirements.