Hello Sun Lovers!
The impressive advancements in the solar industry are like rays of sunshine on a winter’s day: they continuously warm our hearts and our homes. In today’s blog, I’m really excited to discuss a fascinating development that solar companies are exploring to enhance the output and durability of solar panels for your home, especially for those located in harsh climates — the use of Anti-Reflective (AR) coatings.
A groundbreaking study, spearheaded by researchers at Mohammed First University in Morocco, has assessed the impact of AR coatings under intense desert conditions. These conditions, although characterized by high temperatures and low precipitation, are typically ideal for a solar array for home since they bring an abundance of solar radiation. However, the harsh elements can pose serious challenges for a solar company due to the required frequent cleaning and maintenance of solar panels.
In this insightful experiment, two identical modules were set side by side – but there was a twist: One would be covered with an AR coating, while the other was left as is, with no additional layer. The results? The AR-coated module saw a significant increase in annual performance ratio and energy yield, by 2% and 5.5% respectively. In simple terms, this coating boosted energy production and, importantly, proved to be robust against the common dry cleaning methods of harsh environments.
But there was more good news — something the researchers called an “unexpected yet significant result.” The AR-coated photovoltaic (PV) modules showed a substantial reduction of 2.7% in the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). This reduction is of particular interest as it further enhances the economic viability of going solar. Using these results from the experiment, the researchers then simulated the effects the AR-coated panels would have on a large-scale PV power plant, showing similarly encouraging results.
Not only was the AR-coating effective in improving the electricity output and lowering LCOE, but it also demonstrated exceptional durability. After simulating a period equivalent to 29 years of weekly cleaning, the optical properties of the AR-coated panels only decreased by a mere 2.6%. The implications of this are undeniably significant: solar companies could consider cost-effective dry cleaning methods for AR-coated solar panels without compromising their efficiency and performance.
Likewise, the AR-coated panels showed good resistance to soiling and dust accumulation. Soiling losses in AR-coated samples were 3.7% lower compared to non-coated samples.
Considering these exciting findings, it’s clear that the usage of an AR-coating on solar panels offers a myriad of potentials for the solar industry. Solar companies aiming to maximize efficiency and cut down on maintenance and cleaning costs should consider this technology, especially in regions similar to Morocco’s desert climate.
As a solar expert, I see immense promise in this development. By broadening the landscape of cleaning methods and simultaneously enhancing solar panel performance and durability, AR coatings could revolutionize how we harness solar energy, both in desert settings and beyond.
Until next time, continue soaking up the sun and exploring the infinite potential of the solar world. Keep your compass pointed towards sustainability and stay tuned for my next post!
Sun kissed,
[Your Name]
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/08/22/new-research-finds-solar-module-anti-reflective-coatings-may-reduce-lcoe-by-over-2/
