Scientists develop snow-proof coating for solar panels

     In recent years, the installed capacity of solar power generation equipment has continued to increase, but in cold and snowy areas, solar panels are easily covered by snow, resulting in a decrease in power generation efficiency. Scientists at the University of Michigan have developed a clear coating that reduces snow and ice build-up on Solar System For Home Appliances solar panels, making solar panels 85 percent more efficient at generating electricity in winter. The research results were recently published in Advanced Materials Technology.

    Anish Tuteja, a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Michigan, said that in cold and snowy climates, the power generation of solar panels will be reduced by 80%-90%, which has also become a disadvantage for popularizing solar power generation. In the process of studying the deicing coating, the team found that the two characteristics of low interface toughness and low adhesion strength are the key to deicing technology. The interface toughness is precisely balanced to achieve better deicing and snow removal. When tested at the solar field in Fairbanks, Alaska, the average snow and ice coverage for the coated panels over the winter was about 28 percent, compared to about 59 percent for the uncoated panels. The coating can be sprayed or brushed on in cold weather and is good for up to one year.