SUNPAL®
SUNPAL®
SUNPAL®

SUNPAL® MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE SHEET ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEM

Standing-seam panel and glazing system that adapts to any projects - big or small

SUNPAL is an advanced multiwall polycarbonate panel system for a variety of flat or curved roofing and cladding designs. It enables architects to incorporate natural light, thermal insulation, and structural strength into skylights, facades, and roof designs. Engineered to be lightweight and leak-proof, withstand very high loads, and accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, SUNPAL is ideal for long-term use in commercial, architectural, industrial, and residential applications. SUNPAL multiwall polycarbonate systems are one of many products that Palram offers for these market segments.

Royal Institute of British Architects

Royal Institute of British Architects
Access the RIBA Product Selector

USE LIGHT TO ENHANCE YOUR DESIGN DAY AND NIGHT

As an architect, you need to consider the design aesthetics of both the exterior and the interior. If there is too much transparency in your glazing material, you may compromise on privacy. In contrast, too little transparency or translucency may reduce light transmission in the interior. For these reasons, you need to consider all options to achieve exactly the look you're going for. And, of course, you can't ignore other aspects such as energy efficiency.

Palram offers four different polycarbonate glazing products to meet all of your requirements. These include flat solid sheet, multi-wall sheet, single-layer corrugated sheet, and complete panel systems. Palram Project Support Engineers are here to help you evaluate which solution best meets your design aspirations, efficiency and sustainability goals, and budgetary and performance needs.

If you’re an architect, engineer or builder and need assistance evaluating your design and developing an installation method and process, learn more about our Architectural Project Support Center.

USE LIGHT TO ENHANCE YOUR DESIGN DAY AND NIGHT

From our Blog: High-end polycarbonate design in Future Africa Innovation Campus

The University of Pretoria is one of South Africa's multi-campus public research universities. In 2018, it opened a new division in the Future Africa Innovation Campus, consisting of an administrative main building, student apartments, dining hall and study center, to accommodate postgraduate foreign students from all over Africa.
The three-story building was to be covered with semi-transparent glazing that will thermally insulate, deliver a good solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and perform well with wind loads. The project’s designer, Andrè Eksteen of EarthWorld Architects, endeavoured to make use of South Africa’s abundance of light to spread throughout the building, saving on artificial lighting.
The thermal properties, weight, cost and safety concerns turned the tide towards Palram’s SUNPAL multiwall polycarbonate. Read More on our Blog

From our Blog: High-end polycarbonate design in Future Africa Innovation Campus

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I curve the polycarbonate to follow the façade curve?
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All Palram polycarbonate products can be cold bent onsite during installation, subject to a minimum radius. The radius varies based on the chosen product. For flat sheets such as PALSUN & SUNLITE, the rule-of-thumb for the minimum radius is the thickness multiplied by 200. Please check the Palram catalog for more detailed specifications.

How do I specify the required thickness of the polycarbonate glazing material?
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The recommended thickness of the polycarbonate glazing material is based on factors such as wind & snow load, panel size, and boundary conditions. Visit the Palram website for access to calculators that can help you determine the recommended thickness.

How do I reduce the heat build-up coming from the façade into the building?
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In order to reduce heat build-up through the façade, Palram strongly recommends the use of its tinted SolarSmart™ panels. SolarSmart™ tints can be implemented in all Palram polycarbonate products. For more information, reference the Palram SolarSmart™ technology page.

How do I create a double skin glazing solution for façades and curtain walls?
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Flat solid or multiwall sheets can be glazed in double skin applications using standard aluminum curtain wall profiles and EPDM gaskets. The SUNPAL system can be installed in a double skin application with a special aluminum profile provided by Palram.

Should products be pre-dried before thermoforming?
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This depends on the production date and storage conditions of the product before thermoforming. It is recommended to check the product before thermoforming is attempted.

Is the PE film suitable for thermoforming applications?
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Most of Palram's products that are delivered with PE film covering are suitable for thermoforming. In general, we recommend using clear PE and not printed PE.

Can I use multiwall polycarbonate sheets as a skylight combined with a metal roof?
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Yes, you can by using domes or glazing solutions. Please contact Palram technical support for further information.

How do I install flat solid or multiwall polycarbonate sheets as skylights?
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Flat solid or multiwall polycarbonate sheets need to be installed with designated aluminum profiles when used as a skylight.

Can the percentage of light transmission be controlled? I need a lot of light but I need it to be diffused.
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Palram offers various LT% parameters - from 0% to 90%. In addition, we offer a color called a “diffuser” that allows 85% of the light in while diffusing it by 100%. The result is a light-transmitting panel that is not transparent but is highly translucent.

If polycarbonate sheets block UV radiation, why is there a "UV-side" that faces outwards?
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Polycarbonate sheets block UV radiation by absorbing it. This absorption mechanism can cause degradation to the material, and to prevent this from happening, the sheet is coated with a special material.

For this reason, it is recommended that the sheets are installed with the marked UV protective layer facing outward. Moreover, most of the sheets are only protected on the side that is clearly marked as such.

How do I design the secondary steel support spacings for roofing/siding?
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Palram created specific loading tables for each product. Please visit our website and download the specific catalog.

Can I install multiwall polycarbonate sheets horizontally for siding?
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No. The multiwall channels should always be vertical to allow condensation water to drain out by gravity.

How do I clean the polycarbonate?
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  • Never use abrasive or high alkaline cleaners on any Palram polycarbonate products.
  • Do not leave cleaners on Palram polycarbonate for extended periods of time. Rinse immediately with cold, clean water.
  • Do not apply cleaners in direct sunlight.
  • Never use sharp objects, squeegees or razors on polycarbonate.
  • Do not clean with gasoline.
  • Always practice safety first and never step directly on a polycarbonate panel.
  • Always test cleaners in a small inconspicuous area prior to cleaning the entire panel to ensure against adverse results.
  • Avoid allowing the pressure washer spray tip to come too close to the panel. Pressure washers often have enough pressure at the spray tip to penetrate or tear the panel.
  • Avoid dry cleaning as sand and dust particles clinging to the exterior of the panels may scratch the surface.

What are the benefits of using polycarbonate standing-seam system over standard polycarbonate sheets?
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The main benefit of the standing-seam system is that unlike standard sheets, it is sold together with all installation accessories. This system also provides superior water tightness and is easier and faster to install.

What is the meaning of Shading Coefficient (SC)?
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Shading coefficient (SC) is a parameter that compares transparent and translucent materials with clear 3 mm glass with 87% LT ׂ(light transmission). The lower the value, the more convenient it is to stay under the material on warm, sunny days. In architectural projects, the SC should usually be between 0.3 to 0.5.

When should I use multiwall polycarbonate and when solid polycarbonate?
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Multiwall polycarbonate should be used when the key design parameter is thermal insulation. Solid polycarbonate should be used when the key design parameter is acoustic insulation and glass-like appearance.

What is the difference between multiwall and solid polycarbonate?
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Multiwall is a multi-cell structured sheet. Due to its multi-cell structure, it has superior thermal insulation and low area weight.

When should I specify a matte surface finish for the polycarbonate?
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A matte surface finish is good if you want to avoid glare within your surroundings.

How do I determine the color, Light Transmission (LT) and haze properties of polycarbonate?
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This decision depends on the application – some of the colors are transparent and some are translucent. If a see-through material is needed, then haze should be smaller than 1% and the LT% should be based on the illumination design. If a translucent effect is needed, then the haze should be 100% and the LT% based on the chosen color.

Can I cover my old polyethylene greenhouse with polycarbonate while still keeping the old structure?
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Yes, but with minor reinforcements to the structure in order to support the load.

Will polycarbonate light transmittance deteriorate over time?
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PALRAM's polycarbonate products are shielded with a UV protection layer that guards against photodegradation, yellowing, and brittleness. This protects the sheets from the harmful impact of UV radiation and helps to maintain light transmittance and quality for many years. Our products come with a 10-year warranty against loss of light transmittance. Upon special request, we can provide an enforced UV protection layer with a longer warranty.