Renewable Energy

Composite materials and renewable energy make the ideal combination.

Increased emphasis on renewable energy is demanded by the global community. In response, producers are shifting their attention to new product development that makes their goods more economical and efficient while also bolstering the renewable energy sector. Moving towards composite molding has been one of the major changes in the sector. In addition to enhancing product durability and enabling low-cost manufacture, it gives sustainable products the attributes they require to be competitive.

Why composite materials?

There’s inherent value in composite materials across the diverse scope of renewable energy applications. Namely, solar and wind power operations.

Solar panels

There have been many highs and lows in the history of solar panel design, but we are now at a plateau. The technology of photoelectric cells has essentially plateaued. It's a perfect illustration of how technology must wait for new developments before it can advance once more.

Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) underlayment film and glass make up conventional panels. Currently, studies aimed at lowering the price and raising the efficiency of panels are focused on composite materials. Lighter panels allow for more panels per array and more effective light collecting when they are arranged in honeycomb patterns. Prototypes made of composite materials can weigh up to 40% less and are far more effective! In terms of cost, they might also represent a small portion for customers at scale.

Wind turbines

Composite materials are an obvious choice given the magnitude and requirement of wind turbine applications. The weight of a 50-meter wind turbine blade can reach 20,000 kilograms! Any attempt to reduce weight helps the turbine run more smoothly after it is installed and eases the burden on the manufacturers. Glass-reinforced materials and carbon fiber composites allow for this reduced weight to be achieved without sacrificing the structural integrity of the blades.

Renewables and composites set to rise

The market for composites is expected to increase in tandem with the increasing need for renewable energy sources. Composites are expected to rise further as the renewable energy industry's advancements unlock fresh potential and increase demand for next-generation products.