Solar energy installations operate under demanding outdoor conditions, where components are continuously exposed to UV radiation, temperature variations, and mechanical stress. In addition, strict fire safety requirements apply to many elements used in photovoltaic systems. These combined factors make material selection a critical engineering decision for ensuring long-term reliability and safety.
Polymer materials are widely used across solar installations in applications such as solar panel bearings, electrical enclosures, cable protection profiles, and corrugated pipes. These components must deliver a balanced combination of mechanical strength, dimensional stability, flame retardancy, and resistance to environmental exposure. In many cases, halogen-free flame-retardant materials with certified UL classifications are essential to meet regulatory and application-specific requirements.
UBE Composites Europe provides a portfolio of engineering polymers developed specifically for solar energy applications. The range includes polyamides, polyoxymethylene, polycarbonate, PC/ABS blends, and polypropylene materials, available in reinforced and unreinforced grades and adapted to different processing and functional needs.
For solar panel bearing systems, PA66 and PA6 DINALON® grades, together with DINAFORM® POM copolymers, offer low friction coefficients and controlled moisture absorption, supporting stable mechanical performance. Glass-fiber-reinforced PA66 grades reach tensile moduli up to 8,500 MPa and heat deflection temperatures of 225 °C, while halogen-free PA6 grades achieve UL 94 V-0 classifications supported by UL Yellow Card certification.
Electrical enclosures and solar boxes require materials that combine flame retardancy with mechanical balance and durability. Polycarbonate DINAXAN® and PC/ABS DINABLEND® grades provide V-0 halogen-free flame resistance, UV stabilization, and high impact strength, with glow wire flammability index values up to 960 °C. For cable protection profiles and corrugated pipes, polypropylene DINAPLEN® grades deliver halogen-free flame retardancy, UV stabilization, and dimensional stability suitable for exposed solar installations.
Download the technical document to explore UBE’s polymer solutions for solar energy applications.
