SOLplus - Improved Energy Efficiency of Solar PV Systems via Low Surface Energy Coatings

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The SOLplus project will explore the feasibility of using novel nanostructured coatings to improve theoperational performance of solar PV by preventing dirt and grime accumulation on solar PV modules andreducing or eliminating the associated drop in power output (typically up to 10-20%). The project will establishthe proof of principle that these durable, transparent, and superhydrophobic coatings can be put on both glassand flexible substrates to prevent the build-up of dirt on solar panels. Such coatings will be a significantadvance in the field of repellent surfaces, with the potential to be self-cleaning . By maintaining the designperformance of the solar PV system, such a coating would allow for significant cost and emissions savings sincethe lowered power losses would directly translate to a higher LCOE for solar power and contribute to significantreductions in carbon emissions. The project will provide the UK an opportunity to exploit an emergingadvanced materials technology and be better equipped to meet its renewable energy targets by extracting themaximum performance output from the investment made into solar PV reducing the LCOE for solar PV.