NIPPON Introduces Breakthrough Coating Technology Cutting Solar Frame VOCs by 85 Percent

On June 11, 2025, the 18th International Solar Photovoltaic and Smart Energy (Shanghai) Conference and Exhibition officially kicked off at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). At the event, Nippon Paint joined forces with Huzhou Tuogao Machinery Co., Ltd. to unveil a groundbreaking photovoltaic (PV) coating jet process. This new technology increases coating efficiency on solar frames to over 95%, saving 60 tons of paint per gigawatt (GW) of production, while addressing key challenges in cost, efficiency, and environmental impact.

The PV industry, as a benchmark for green energy, is experiencing unprecedented growth. With global PV installations soaring, GW-level production demands higher standards for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability in coating processes. However, traditional coating methods—such as air spray, mixed gas spray, and electrostatic disk spray—struggle to meet these demands due to high VOC emissions, low paint utilization, and material waste. Additionally, limited automation in traditional systems constrains production efficiency.

Responding to these challenges, Nippon Paint partnered with Tuogao, a technology company with over 15 years of experience in smart equipment manufacturing, to develop the PV coating jet process. This innovative solution overcomes the limitations of conventional methods by optimizing film leveling and sag resistance without atomization, while extending the service life of dual-component paints within jet system cycles.

The coating jet process achieves several breakthroughs:

• Efficiency: The system boosts paint utilization from an industry average of 60% to over 95%, saving 60 tons of paint per GW and significantly reducing material waste and production costs.
• Environmental Impact: VOC emissions on production lines are cut by 85%, complying with stringent Chinese and EU environmental standards.
• Automation and Simplification: The process eliminates reliance on third-party fixtures, simplifies production lines, and enables precise control over temperature and humidity for consistent results.

This technology enhances Nippon’s FiberBond® PV composite frame coating solution, which has already been applied to multiple domestic and international projects. Known for its outstanding durability, adhesion, and resistance to extreme climates, FiberBond® has proven performance in offshore PV and desert power plants, with GW-level installations earning international certifications such as TUV and the 2025 Ringier Technology Innovation Award. Nippon Paint has also contributed to standardizing the industry by participating in the drafting of China's first PV composite frame standard, led by the Wuxi National PV Testing Center.

By driving advancements in material research, process innovation, and market adoption, Nippon Paint aims to accelerate the industrialization of composite PV frames, providing sustainable solutions and supporting the renewable energy sector’s low-carbon transition.