BASF and Solar Earth demonstrate endless possibilities with Paving Integrated Photovoltaic panels co-creation

• BASF and Solar Earth to further develop innovative energy-efficient technologies that will advance the next wave of solar power applications

Shanghai, China – September 15, 2022 – Solar Earth Technologies Ltd (Solar Earth) and BASF have co-developed Paving Integrated Photovoltaic (PIPV) panels which can be installed on new or existing roads and other surfaces. BASF designed and optimized a polyurethane (PU) for Solar Earth’s PIPV panels to provide superior abrasion resistance, excellent mechanical performance, and a prolonged product lifespan.

“Our paving integrated photovoltaic panels are helping to turn traditional infrastructure into a renewable energy source. With the optimized PU solution we co-created with BASF, our panels can survive heavy weather, resist theft and vandalism as well as support the weight of a truck without damage, to economically deliver more of the clean energy we need from infrastructure,” said Douglas Matthews, CEO, Solar Earth.

The co-creation is part of the ongoing partnership between BASF and Solar Earth to develop innovative energy-efficient technologies that will advance the next wave of solar power applications.

“BASF’s co-creations demonstrate how it empowers the future with strategic partner collaborations, enabled by its broad portfolio of innovative material solutions and competencies. With our material and technical expertise, we collaborate to develop solutions that address market needs and accelerate innovations to market,” said Andy Postlethwaite, Senior Vice President, Performance Materials Asia Pacific.         

PIPV panels save land space while providing clean, renewable energy for power to the grid or applications such as electric vehicles, lighting, and de-icing.

About Solar Earth

Solar Earth is a new form of solar power that transforms everyday infrastructure into a source of revenue-generating solar energy for a Net Zero World. Human beings have spent a long time paving over the Earth. Solar Earth now transforms those surfaces into the toughest, most versatile sources of solar energy yet made, withstanding pedestrians, bicycles, vehicle traffic, theft, vandalism and extreme weather. Solar Earth embeds solar cells — those oh-so-delicate eggshells so easy to break — into a rock-hard, resilient surface. It allows us to “solarize” sidewalks, roads, parking lots rooftops, docks and more by putting solar cells inside that infrastructure. Its breakthrough technology captures the power of the sun to “solarize” infrastructure and generate secure, free, clean energy to fight climate change and get the planet to a Net Zero world. We are Vancouver-based with international offices.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.

About BASF’s Performance Materials division

BASF’s Performance Materials division encompasses the entire materials’ know-how of BASF regarding innovative, customized plastics under one roof. Globally active in four major industry sectors – transportation, construction, industrial applications and consumer goods – the division has a strong portfolio of products and services combined with deep understanding of application-oriented system solutions. Key drivers of profitability and growth are our close collaboration with customers and a clear focus on solutions. Strong capabilities in R&D provide the basis to develop innovative products and applications. In 2021, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €7.29 bn. More information: www.plastics.basf.com.