Small-scale solar is on the rise

More and more Americans are powering their properties with the sun.

With solar installation more affordable than ever, paired with federal credits, state incentives, and new legislation, an increasing number of homeowners are looking into the potential of the sun to power their homes.

According to Statista, the number of residential solar systems installed in the US in 2022 was 3.6 million, an increase of 2 million from five years prior. To ensure these systems work reliably, they need to be able to withstand the toughest of conditions in weather, moisture, heat, and wear and tear.

An aerial view of a residential property surrounded by trees with solar panels on the roof.

Meet the challenges of the sector

With a proven track record in the field, BASF Engineering Composites and its team of experts can help you meet the challenges of the segment, acting as a partner to reduce costs while retaining engineering flexibility.

Especially in contrast to metal counterparts, these plastic options are corrosion resistant and can be processed in a way that allows for more geometries.

Applications

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Flat-Roof Mounts

Because of the challenges that come with adding solar to a flat roof, mounts need to be safe, secure, and cost-effective. Its structural components also need to endure sun, wind, rain, and snow while keeping panels in place and producing power.

Inverter / IGBT Housing

As systems that convert or invert digital current (DC) energy produced by a solar panel into alternate current (AC) energy, inverters are a key and necessary component of solar installations. They’re also useful in a system’s performance and safety.

Smart Meter

In 2022, according to the US Energy Information Administration, US electric utilities had about 119 million advanced (smart) metering infrastructure (AMI) installations, with residential customers accounting for about 88% of those. As something that provides two-way communication between you and your utility, they’re vital to maintaining a more reliable electrical service.

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

Used to store energy generated from solar panels for later use, battery energy storage systems are becoming increasingly popular in homes across the US as a means of reducing a property’s carbon footprint, saving on energy bills, and having a reliable back-up in an emergency.

Small-scale solar products

Flat-roof mount for solar applications.

Flat-Roof Mount

Ultramid®

Our composite material solutions for flat-roof solar installations ensure manufacturing of high mechanical strength, high elongation at break, and are ready for outdoor use.

Module connector for solar applications.

Module Connector

Ultramid®

Connectors require housings to insulate contacts and exposed cable conductors, offering protection from the elements. Our composite materials have high tensile strength, toughness, and excellent UV resistance.

Inverter / IGBT housing for solar applications.

IGBT

Ultramid® and Ultradur®

With a high comparative tracking index (CTI), high relative temperature index (RTI), and a UL 94 V-0 rating, our composite material ensures the consistent conversion of digital current (DC) energy from solar cells to alternate current (AC) energy.

Junction box for solar applications.

Junction Box

Ultramid® A3X

With outstanding mechanical properties, a high comparative tracking index (CTI), and a UL 94 V-0 rating, our composite material for junction boxes offers long-term resistance against UV and impressive cold impact strength.