offering smarter solar solutions Palram

offering sMarter solar solutions

Palram is a global leader in the manufacture of extruded thermoplastic sheets for solar control applications. The company continues to see strong growth thanks to its advanced solar solutions technology and its on-going commitment to sustainability and protection of the environment. Philip Yorke reports.

Palram was founded in Israel in 1963 and for over 50 years has led the field in the manufacture of semi-finished extruded plastic sheet solar protection products. The company’s broad product portfolio includes flat products, corrugated products, panel systems, speciality products and finished products. Two of Palram’s bestknown international brands are Sunglaze® and Suntuf Rooflights® .

The company operates eight state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities strategically located throughout the world.

Palram’s panel sheets and panel systems are manufactured from polycarbonate and PVC and meet all the relevant internationally recognised quality standards. The company is mostly active in sectors such as agriculture, construction, architecture, sign and display, as well as in the DIY and fabrication sectors worldwide.

Turnkey sunlight solutions

Today, over 16 years after the Olympic Games held in Sydney, Palram’s unique sunlight solutions cover its renowned Olympic Stadium known today as the ANZ Stadium. The company was selected to provide its polycarbonate solution for the re-roofing of the gigantic stadium.

The re-roofing project involved the replacement of more than 45,000 square metres of existing roofing. Palram worked closely with the developers in order to provide a comprehensive, turn-key solution based on its Sunlight XL multi-wall polycarbonate panels, in addition to a large number of aluminium profiles. Palram matched the architect’s requirements for varying colours and light transmissions across different sections of the stadium roof.

The new roof will provide protection from the rain, along with penetration of natural illumination from the sun. The company’s unique Solar Control technology will avoid accumulation of excess heat under the roof. Leveraging its global R&D and manufacturing expertise, along with its experience in designing stadium roof solutions, Palram will provide Sydney stadium with a customised roofing solution that is built to last.

Innovative, low maintenance roofing

One of Palram’s key roofing market sectors is the agricultural industry, particularly in the area of Commercial Greenhouses and Garden Centres. These tailor-made structures are designed to offer very low maintenance, as well as being weather- and corrosion-proof.

The company’s agricultural roofing products reduce condensation and assist in maintaining the perfect long-term light conditions.

Palram has recently introduced selective light transmission roofing panels for greenhouses, garden centres and retail outlets that sell plants and accessories to the gardening sector. In this area weather conditions and holiday periods tend to determine peak seasons and require outlets to operate seasonally, all of which affect staffing considerations, soil use, energy costs and the return on investment.

Palram’s Agricultural Applications Manager said, “Despite the plants being on display for a relatively short time, a nursery must ensure that customers are offered attractive, high quality plants with healthy foliage. At the same time, the greenhouse must provide amenable conditions to the customers. Palram has taken on the challenge and developed a selective light transmission panel, one surface of which allows ideal light for plant growing, while other surface filters keep out infra-red radiated heat, thus reducing heat accumulation within the greenhouse.”

Palram’s brand name for its unique selective-light solution is ‘SolarSmart’, which filters the transmission of light and solar energy in transparent sheets, while allowing for versatile specifications for each individual project. In regions where summers are characterised by high levels of solar radiation, Palram’s ‘SolarSmart’ panels create a client-friendly heat and light environment, while also contributing to reducing artificial lighting and the cost of air conditioning.

World-cup winners

Palram were on the winning team when they were given a major contract to provide solutions for the World Cup stadium in Arena Castelao in Brazil. Owned by the Brazilian government, it was inaugurated in 1973 and completely re-vamped for the recent World Cup. Palram’s specialised project support team was asked to provide an architectural solution for the roof’s vast skylight, which is a 7000m2 transparent front edge roof that was specially designed in order to allow natural daylight onto the pitch.

The solution was found in Palram’s unique ‘SunTuf’ transparent polycarbonate corrugated sheets that provided a cost-effective, watertight solution. A single length ‘SunTuf’ polycarbonate sheet covering the entire length of the roof was installed, thus ensuring long-term transparency for the skylight and a minimal risk of leakage.

Since its inauguration, the Arena Castelao has hosted over 50 worldclass football matches and, in addition, has also hosted international music concerts from artists such as Paul Mcartney and Beyonce. n

For further details of Palram’s innovative solar solutions and products visit: www.palram.com