Nanovue offers self-cleaning solution for solar panel soiling
Nanoveu, an Australian nanotechnology company, has developed a multifunctional anti-soiling coating for solar glass that is designed to prevent surface debris and algae growth from forming on PV panels.
February 23, 2023
Nanoveu has created a hydrophilic self-cleaning nano-coating for solar panels that it claims can mitigate potential-induced degradation while delivering reduced cleaning costs in PV power systems in dry, humid environments.
The ASX-listed Nanovue said it has successfully expanded its Nanoshield product suite that purportedly includes the E-series hard coat, an antimicrobial coating that is self-maintaining, anti-fouling, anti-static, and hydrophilic.
The transparent coating, which was developed from the company’s antiviral products, has been designed initially to inhibit the growth of algae and lichen on solar panels. It said algae growth is a major issue for solar systems deployed in tropical conditions and if left unchecked, can cause up to 26% energy loss in the module’s generation capacity. In addition to preventing algae growth, the company said the E-series coating’s hydrophilic and anti-static properties inhibit sand, dirt and all other surface contaminants clinging to panels.
Nanoveu Managing Director Alfred Chong said the coating’s self-cleaning properties mean contaminants wash away with rainwater.
“As opposed to water-repellent coatings, the hydrophilic effect reduces the angle of water droplets, allowing penetration beneath the contaminant,” the company said. “Antistatic, larger particle sized debris such as dirt and sand simply slide off the surface.”
Chong claimed that the unique properties of the coating makes it suitable as a self-cleaning solution for solar systems in both humid and dry climates.
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“With this new and unique development, we will work towards establishing Nanoveu as an attractive solution to enhance the performance of solar assets worldwide,” he said.
Soiling of solar panels remains a major issue for the industry with the International Energy Agency’s Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA-PVPS) estimating that lost revenue from PV module soiling amounts to more than AUD 4.67 billion ($3.2 billion) per year.
IEA-PVPS estimates that in 2018, soiling caused at least a 3% to 4% loss to global annual energy production from PV. This is expected to increase to around 4% to 5%, and $6 billion to $10 billion this year.
Nanoveu is currently testing the efficiency of the Nanoshield product in the Philippines, with 55 MW of solar projects identified as suitable sites for the technology. The results of the trials are expected to be published in the first half of this year.
Nanoveu said Nanoshield could be applied to other applications, such as ships and boat hulls that constantly require treatment.
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