Solar panels are a great way to harness clean and renewable energy from the sun, but they have one major drawback: they don’t work well in snowy conditions. Snow accumulation on solar panels can reduce their efficiency by up to 40%, according to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This means that solar power is not widely available in regions with heavy snowfall, such as Canada, Scandinavia, and parts of the U.S.
However, a team of researchers from the University of Toledo has developed a solution to this problem: a durable strip of material that is applied to the lower edge of the panel, which causes the melting of the snow without interfering with the absorption of sunlight. The strip does not require any power to operate and does not invalidate the module warranty. The researchers have tested their product in various regions and demonstrated its effectiveness and scalability.
“There is no need for power—it is passive,” says Hossein Sojoudi, the Associate Professor and Technical Advisor who founded Snow-Free Solar. “You apply it to the lower bottom and it works from there.”
The strip works by creating a thin layer of water between the snow and the panel, which reduces the adhesion force and allows the snow to slide off easily. The strip also prevents ice formation on the panel surface, which can damage the cells and reduce their lifespan. The strip is made of a polymer composite that is resistant to UV radiation, moisture, and temperature changes.
“We also showed that our strip coatings are durable during regular cleaning of solar panels.
“Through strategic partnerships, we demonstrated scalable manufacturing of our product with monthly production rate of 60,000 strip coatings,” he added.
The researchers have filed a provisional patent for their invention and are competing for funding from the U.S. Energy Department’s American-Made Solar Prize initiative, which aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative solar solutions. They have already received positive feedback from several solar panel manufacturers and installers who are interested in their product.
Relevant articles:
– Ingenious Snow-Proof Solar Panels Can Work in All Weather: ‘Game-Changing Tech’, Good News Network, Sep 16, 2023
– Researchers develop ingenious snow-proof solar panels that can work in all weather: ‘A game-changing technology’, The Cooldown, Sep 8, 2023
– Spray-on coating could make solar panels snow-resistant, Tech Xplore, Dec 21, 2021
– Spray-On Coating Could Make Solar Panels Snow-Resistant, Tech Briefs, Mar 30, 2022