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

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.