Plastic panels for lighting: Classification, applications, price quotes 2025

Plastic panels (Polycarbonate plastic panels, plastic panels, roofing panels, etc.) are composite materials made from polymer units linked through carbonate groups, with transparency up to 90% and a weight of only half that of glass. The product can withstand temperatures from -1°C to 2°C, is highly durable and has low cost.

Polycarbonate plastic panels have 3 main product lines: solid panels with 200 times higher durability than normal glass and 90% light transmission; hollow panels with good insulation and corrugated panels (square/round) often used in combination with corrugated iron. In addition, there are Composite panels (light transmission rate 75 - 85%) and Mica panels (light transmission rate up to 98%).

Common applications of skylight panels include roofing (porch, balcony, garage), skylight construction and transparent partitions.

Polycarbonate plastic sheet (Source: shutterstock.com/)

Fiberglass composite light panels (Source: shutterstock.com)

Transparent mica roofing panels let in light (Source: shutterstock.com)

According to information confirmed from reputable sources in the industry, Kosmos knows that the price of plastic panels ranges from 150.000 - 2.400.000 VND/m² depending on type and size (updated February 2).

“Polycarbonate panels are exceptionally durable with 200 times greater impact resistance than regular glass while maintaining 90% light transmission, making them an ideal choice for architectural applications that require both strength and transparency,” says Dr. James Anderson, Department of Materials Science, MIT (2024).

Polycarbonate plastic sheet

Polycarbonate plastic panels are also known as “Poly plastic panels”. These are panels made from synthetic plastic, the type of which has Polymer units linked together through Carbonate groups. This product is highly transparent, not easily broken and is twice as light as glass. This is the reason why they are used to replace glass.

Polycarbonate panels have outstanding heat resistance in environments from -40℃ – 120℃. The product is highly durable with an average lifespan of 15 – 20 years, easy to construct, and effective in collecting light. In addition, this line of roofing panels also has a variety of colors to serve users.

Flat plastic sheet (Source: shutterstock.com)

Corrugated plastic panels for light (shutterstock.com)

Polycarbonate solid flat plastic sheet

This is a high-quality light roofing sheet with good impact resistance, heat resistance, UV protection and fire resistance. With a solid structure, the panels have extremely high durability. The light transmittance of this type is up to 90%. Besides, the panels have the ability to insulate up to 31dB, making the building more quiet.

Durability of solid polycarbonate roofing sheets:

• 200 times stronger than regular glass
• 20 times stronger than tempered glass
• 8 times higher than Mica plastic roofing sheets.

Flat, hollow poly plastic sheet

This is a roofing sheet with excellent heat insulation. With a hollow design, with an air layer in the middle, the sheet is lighter in weight and has better heat resistance than the solid type. However, because it is the result of many thin layers of Poly plastic combined, the hollow Poly flat sheet has lower load-bearing capacity and bending ability than the solid Poly sheet.

Corrugated Polycarbonate Plastic Sheet

This is a material widely used in construction works, known by many other names such as: corrugated iron, Poly corrugated iron or corrugated roofing sheets, etc. Created from advanced extrusion technology, the sheet has a characteristic wave shape like the steel sheets we often see.

After researching and synthesizing from many reliable sources, Kosmos learned that Polycarbonate plastic sheet has 2 wave forms: round wave and square wave. It is often used in combination with other types of roofing sheets to cover the roof, allowing light to enter a small part instead of covering the entire roof.

• Square corrugated polycarbonate plastic sheet has a width of 1070mm x length of 6000mm, with a thickness of about 1mm - 1.5mm.
• Round corrugated polycarbonate plastic sheet has width 820mm - 860mm x length 2400mm, thickness about 0.8mm.

Composite plastic panels

Composite plastic panels are plastic panels (plastic can be unsaturated Polyester or Vinyl Ester) mixed with additives such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, etc. to have flexibility and elasticity. The transparency and aesthetics are not equal to Poly plastic panels, but this product still has good light transmission at low cost.

• Opaque white composite panels capture about 75% of light.
• Transparent white composite plastic panels capture about 85% of light.

These fiberglass composite plastic roofing panels are durable, ultra-light, UV-resistant, easy to bend and not easily broken. They are also highly appreciated for their sound and heat insulation, and resistance to harsh weather. With a protective film layer on the surface, they are not easily stained and limit yellowing.

According to information confirmed from reputable sources, Kosmos has learned that the sizes of composite skylight roofing panels are very diverse, including: flat panels, Clip-Lock corrugated panels, Seam-Lock corrugated panels, V-Lock, 5-wave panels, 6-wave panels, 7-wave panels, 9-wave panels, 11-wave panels, etc.

Smart transparent light-capturing Mica roofing panels

Mica roofing panels are also known as light-weight Acrylic plastic panels, or PMMA (Poly Methyl Methacrylate) panels. This is a transparent plastic sheet that can replace glass when roofing. Light weight and 10 times more durable than regular glass. If you buy panels with a thickness of about 3mm, the ability to absorb light can be up to 98%.

Inside the Mica roofing sheet also contains glass fibers. Therefore, the product surface has an even gloss, limiting dust accumulation. In addition, their burning temperature is up to 460℃, so their heat resistance is very high.

On the other hand, the product is also flexible in design and shaping. However, the limitation of this translucent roofing sheet is that it is easily scratched.

3 common applications of plastic roofing panels

Based on reputable sources, Kosmos knows that translucent plastic panels have 3 main applications in construction:

1. Canopy for porches, balconies and garages with up to 98% UV protection.
2. Skylight construction to optimize natural light for townhouses.
3. Make transparent partitions for offices and bathrooms with 10 times more durability than regular glass.

Skylight panels for roofing

Smart transparent plastic panels are often used to cover porches, balconies, greenhouses, garages,... or as pergolas for outdoor items such as: Pergola, bus stops, swimming pool seats, etc. They not only provide light but also limit UV rays, protecting users.

Awning for light made of plastic panels

Transparent plastic roofing panels for plastic wooden huts

Pergola (open architecture) projects in outdoor spaces cannot lack the presence of transparent plastic panels. This rain and wind protection material is often installed above the wood plastic slats.

Construction of plastic sheet for skylight

Houses in urban areas often have limited areas with a tube-like structure. To take advantage of outdoor natural light into the living space, skylights are the most suitable item. Constructing skylights with translucent plastic panels not only brings in good light but also effectively blocks rain and wind.

Skylight panels replace glass as partitions

With its transparent properties, durability, and high safety, light-reflecting plastic panels can replace glass in many partitions such as: bathroom cabin partitions, window partitions, office desk partitions. ,…

>>> Learn more: 99+ beautiful living room partition models, price list of all kinds.

Translucent plastic panels make beautiful partitions (Source: shutterstock.com)

Smart light-emitting plastic panels for office partitions (Source: shutterstock.com)

Quote for transparent roofing plastic panels

The price of plastic panels depends on thickness, size, origin and production technology. Some are coated with anti-UV/anti-scratch layer, some are not. Therefore, we cannot determine the exact price of the product. The following is the reference material price of plastic panels compiled by Kosmos in February 2:

• Price of solid polycarbonate plastic sheet: Price from 150.000 VND - 1.520.000 VND/ 1m².
• Price of hollow polycarbonate sheet: Price from 950.000 VND - 2.400.000 VND/sheet. (The size of this plastic sheet is 2.1m x 5.8m, thickness from 4mm to 10mm).
• Price of fiberglass composite plastic panels: 50.000 VND – 290.000 VND/ 1 meter long (thickness from 0.4mm to 3mm)
• Price of transparent light-conducting Mica sheet: 1.180.000 VND - 1.700.000 VND/sheet (The size of this plastic sheet is 1.220mm x 1.440mm, thickness from 3mm to 5mm).

Questions about skylight roofing panels

How to install smart plastic panels?

After consulting and synthesizing information from reliable sources, Kosmos learned that depending on the project category and type, there are different ways to construct plastic panels. Below are 5 steps to construct plastic panels that customers can refer to:

Step 1: Install the frame (purlin)

The distance of beams (beams) depends on the thickness of the plate

• Panel thickness from 2.5mm – 4mm: Beam spacing is about 600mm - 700mm.
• Panel thickness from 5mm – 6mm: Beam spacing is about 700mm - 800mm.
• Panel thickness from 8mm – 10mm: Maximum beam spacing 1000mm.

Step 2: Install the plastic light plate on the frame

Note:

• The plate connection position should be placed on the beam.

• When installing, face the panel with UV protection layer towards the sky.

• Only remove the plastic layer protecting the panel surface after construction is completed.

• Use the blade of small metal and iron to cut the plate.

• Roofing with plastic panels requires a slope of about 5 degrees for water to flow down.

• If bending is required, please keep the radius to a minimum of 175 times the sheet thickness. (Example: Sheet thickness is 4mm, minimum radius for bending is 700mm).

Step 3: Drill pilot holes and screw in

Note:

• Drill a pilot hole through the plate (2.5 - 3 times wider than the diameter of the screw body), at least 15 - 20cm from the edge.

• We need to screw it right into the center of the hole but not too tight to give the panel room to expand in the heat of the sun.

• For points without aluminum brackets, you can use a bracket with a black rubber washer to cushion the plate screw.

• Plate thickness greater than 4mm must use a collapsible brace to keep the plate from sagging more than 50mm.

Step 4: Install aluminum brace

Note:

• Between the 2 panels, leave a gap of 8 - 10mm.

• Use an aluminum brace to cover the connection point between the two panels and fill the edge of the brace with A2, A500 glue.

Step 5: Fix the plastic sheet to take the light down to the beam

We fix the plastic sheet to the frame by screwing it into the center of the brace, through the gap between the two sheets.

>>> Learn more: Materials for making skeletons for wall panels.

What types of plastic panels does Kosmos have?

Kosmos is a reputable supplier of interior decoration materials. The warehouse provides a variety of plastic panels, including two outstanding product lines: Nano fluted panel and PVC marble imitation plastic panels, specialized for wall, ceiling, and interior partitions.

• Nano fluted panel plastic panel: This is a type of panel with a flat or fluted panel design, with a weak composition of 35% - 40% plastic particles (PVC - Polyvinylchloride, PS - Polystyrene), 50% - 55% stone powder and 10% additives. This material is water-resistant, mold-resistant, termite-resistant, with a variety of beautiful wood grain designs suitable for many interior decoration styles.
• Marble imitation PVC plastic panels: This is a type of panel with a surface that reproduces 70 - 80% of the beauty of natural marble grain, bringing luxury and class to the interior space. This material is mainly composed of 71% stone powder, 24% PVC plastic and 5% additives, beautiful like stone but can be bent and helps users save costs effectively.

Kosmos warehouse distributes a variety of decorative panels to dealers nationwide.

Kindergarten decoration project with wood-like plastic panels of Kosmos warehouse

>>> How much is cheap plastic wall panel per square meter? | Quote for wall panel, ceiling panel, partition panel.

Compare Polycarbonate roofing sheets and Composite roofing sheets?

Below is a comparison table between Polycarbonate roofing sheets and Composite roofing sheets that Kosmos has consulted from many reputable sources:

>>> Learn more about Composite plastic.

Polycarbonate panels are suitable for civil works requiring high transparency and reasonable price. Composite panels are suitable for industrial works requiring high durability and load-bearing capacity. Mica panels are suitable for applications requiring maximum transparency. The choice of which panel type depends on the needs and budget of each project.

If you still have many concerns about the types of skylight panels or want to learn more about interior and exterior decoration materials, please leave a comment below for a quick response.