SOLplus - Improved Energy Efficiency of Solar PV Systems via Low Surface Energy Coatings
Lead Participant:
OPUS MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
Abstract
The SOLplus project will explore the feasibility of using novel nanostructured coatings to improve the
operational performance of solar PV by preventing dirt and grime accumulation on solar PV modules and
reducing or eliminating the associated drop in power output (typically up to 10-20%). The project will establish
the proof of principle that these durable, transparent, and superhydrophobic coatings can be put on both glass
and flexible substrates to prevent the build-up of dirt on solar panels. Such coatings will be a significant
advance in the field of repellent surfaces, with the potential to be self-cleaning . By maintaining the design
performance of the solar PV system, such a coating would allow for significant cost and emissions savings since
the lowered power losses would directly translate to a higher LCOE for solar power and contribute to significant
reductions in carbon emissions. The project will provide the UK an opportunity to exploit an emerging
advanced materials technology and be better equipped to meet its renewable energy targets by extracting the
maximum performance output from the investment made into solar PV reducing the LCOE for solar PV.
operational performance of solar PV by preventing dirt and grime accumulation on solar PV modules and
reducing or eliminating the associated drop in power output (typically up to 10-20%). The project will establish
the proof of principle that these durable, transparent, and superhydrophobic coatings can be put on both glass
and flexible substrates to prevent the build-up of dirt on solar panels. Such coatings will be a significant
advance in the field of repellent surfaces, with the potential to be self-cleaning . By maintaining the design
performance of the solar PV system, such a coating would allow for significant cost and emissions savings since
the lowered power losses would directly translate to a higher LCOE for solar power and contribute to significant
reductions in carbon emissions. The project will provide the UK an opportunity to exploit an emerging
advanced materials technology and be better equipped to meet its renewable energy targets by extracting the
maximum performance output from the investment made into solar PV reducing the LCOE for solar PV.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
---|---|---|
OPUS MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES LTD. | £53,382 | £ 37,367 |
  | ||
Participant |
||
THE SOLAR CLOTH COMPNAY LTD | £878 | £ 614 |
LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY | ||
CORNELIUS SPECIALITIES LIMITED | £62,912 | £ 38,049 |
TWI LIMITED | £97,976 | £ 97,976 |
INNOVATE UK |
People |
ORCID iD |