New anti-solar paint enables 50% cost reduction

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Singapore’s temperature has risen by more than double the global average rate over the past six decades, according to the Meteorological Service Singapore. To combat the rising heat and high electricity consumption from the overuse of air-conditioning, Singapore’s Ngee Ann Polytechnic researchers have developed a new cost-effective anti-solar paint named X Cool.

 

Comparison with market alternatives

Developed over two years of rigorous testing, this new anti-solar paint is the first to not require a primer before application, enabling cost reductions of up to 50% compared to market alternatives. With this new innovation, the overall temperatures of buildings will be reduced by at least 5°C, lowering electricity consumption in the process.

Current anti-solar paints are highly-flammable, sensitive to mildew, emit high levels of toxic gases, and have poor weather resistance. With a formulation that addresses all these drawbacks, the eSolar-Shield is a game changer in creating a more sustainable Singapore.

X Cool is a heat-reduction water based paint that features a non-toxic formulation with fire-resistant properties. It is developed and manufactured in Singapore, and can help to significantly lower the internal temperature of buildings. It can also be applied on a wide variety of surfaces. The paint has also been duly tested and approved by building consultants, and proven to be both fungus and weathering free.

The anti-solar paint is used on the building façade to offer shielding for buildings warmed by solar heat during daylight hours.

 

Commercially attractive

The project has successfully-attracted commercial interest from five companies. The team is currently working with a local start-up, SPRING Singapore and Building Construction Authority to testbed the anti-solar paint. A trial test with Tan Tock Seng Hospital will be conducted to study the effectiveness of anti-solar paint in combatting moulding on hospital walls.