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Title:
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Anti-soiling coatings for PV modules
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Author(s):
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Published by:
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Publication date:
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ECN
Solar Energy
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14-9-2015
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ECN report number:
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Document type:
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ECN-M--15-005
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Conference Paper
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Number of pages:
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Full text:
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2
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Download PDF
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Abstract:
Application of large scale photo-voltaic installations in remote desert regions – such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) faces a number of challenges: high operating temperatures and UV dose are well known conditions to take into account in view of product lifetime. On top of that yearly yields are under pressure by a phenomenon known as soiling, a process in which dust permanently settles on surfaces in regions with low amounts of rainfall (though moisture is present). Dust built up by the specific interaction with moisture, a process called cementation, results in a layer which is hard to remove and which can cause a dramatic loss in light transmission and consequently results in a drop in yearly yield (up to tens of percent’s).
Mitigation strategies to counter this problem include (frequent) manual or automatic cleaning and preventive measures like anti-soiling coatings. The latter solution would in the ideal case completely prevent soiling. In this study effectiveness and durability of several anti-soiling coatings is reported, using a reproducible method for accelerated soiling under laboratory conditions. For durability testing, the focus has been towards abrasion resistance to simulate the harsh conditions specific for the MENA region (sand storms and dust).
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