25 Oct 2005
Solarnor Heats Up the Global Solar Thermal Market with Noryl* EN150SP Resin
Noryl* EN150SP Resin was Chosen by Solarnor to Help Demonstrate Maximum Performance with Prospects of Minimal Environmental Impact
Even in Norway it’s possible for solar thermal systems to cover 50 percent of the total annual demand for energy needed in heating space and domestic hot water. Solarnor of Norway has developed the first high temperature polymer collector in the world with the help of Noryl resins from GE-Plastics.
GE - Plastics & Solarnor Turn the Heat Up on the Solar Thermal Market.
“By investing in a Solarnor system, our clients obtain high comfort at a low price and at the same time can contribute positively to the environment. The material we’ve chosen from GE - Plastics is important in achieving this. We are very pleased by the process and the result of our collaborative relationship with GE." says Olav Weider, Managing Director of Solarnor AS.
Solar thermal systems transform heat from the sun into usable energy for space heating and domestic hot water. Traditionally, metals such as copper and aluminum were used to produce solar thermal systems. These can be expensive and cumbersome to transport and install.
Solarnor's goal was to design and produce solar panels made of a polymer material. Utilizing GE - Plastics’ application development support and material development, Solarnor chose, in its opinion, the best possible solution in creating the world’s first polymer collector.
Noryl EN150SP resin indeed displays the characteristics that make this possible: excellent temperature resistance, hydrolytic stability, cost savings, and aesthetics. It also had the added benefit of helping provide a solution to some environmental challenges faced by Solarnor’s customers.
Solarnor’s thermal system relies on water being heated by the sun, making Noryl resin an ideal material solution, as it can withstand high water temperatures.
The unique technology in Solarnor’s thermal system requires the Noryl resin to be in constant contact with water at varying temperatures, based on time of day and season. Noryl resin’s excellent hydrolytic stability and temperature resistance maintains its shape, rigidity and dimensional stability over time and temperature variation.
Compared to metals, polymer systems represent a solution that may be produced at a significantly lower cost. There is also potential savings in transportation and installation due to Noryl resin’s lower density. This means added value for the customer.
The use of Noryl resins has opened new possibilities in design and environmental awareness. With their dark reflective surface, solar thermal systems made of Noryl resin can be attractive aesthetic elements added to office, industrial and residential buildings. Polymer systems also tend to be easier to integrate architecturally on roofs or in facades.
The growth of the solar thermal sector is being fuelled by record-high energy prices, growing environmental awareness and incentives for eco-energy usage.
Solarnor has conformed their design to strict EU environmental guidelines. Noryl EN150SP resin was created as a material candidate that could be used in applications needing to conform to these regulations.
"We want our clients to feel good as energy consumers. The exceptional material development support and customer service of GE-Plastics has made this possible,” concluded Mr. Weider.
Details at: www.solarnor.com.
Reader enquiries
GE PlasticsPlasticslaan 1
4600 AC Bergen op Zoom
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Helen Vandebovenkamp
helen.vandebovenkamp@ge.com
Tel: +31 164 29 20 97
Fax: +31 164 29 10 66
Netherlands
Notes for editors
About GE-Plastics
GE-Plastics is a global supplier of plastic resins widely used in automotive, healthcare, consumer electronics, transportation, performance packaging, building & construction, telecommunications, and optical media applications. The company manufactures and compounds polycarbonate, ABS, SAN, ASA, PPE, PC/ABS, PBT and PEI resins, as well as the LNP* line of high-performance specialty compounds. GE-Plastics, Specialty Film & Sheet manufactures high-performance Lexan* sheet and film products used in thousands of demanding applications worldwide. In addition, GE-Plastics’ dedicated Automotive organization is an experienced, world-wide competitor, offering leading plastics solutions for five key automotive segments: body panels and glazing; under the hood applications; component; structures and interiors; and lighting. As a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Games, GE is the exclusive provider of a wide range of innovative products and services that are integral to a successful Games.
* Noryl and LNP are trademarks of General Electric Company.
Editorial enquiries
Helen Vandebovenkamp
GE Plastics
Folke Markestein
Marketing Solutions NV