The problem that could endanger the planet's solar panels — it's dust So far, some companies are looking for ways to solve it.
Solar panels are under serious threat due to a cosmic phenomenon that can “kill” them — atmospheric dust. Boston University startup Sol Clarit has developed an electrodynamic screen that destroys dust and thus prevents pollution of solar cells, writes ecoticias.com.
The fact that dust is one of the worst enemies of solar panels has already been proven by several studies. A dirty photovoltaic cell works worse than a clean one by 29.76%. Dust tends to accumulate in certain areas and this can lead to permanent effects. This type of pollution also causes an 8-15% reduction in efficiency by blocking sunlight. It is worth noting that atmospheric dust is of natural and artificial origin. Natural occurs as a result of the deposition of cosmic dust from the sky, as well as due to the lifting of dust, pollen, and ash by the wind. The sea also produces dust from salt crystals from dried water spray.
Cleaning solar panels with water can solve the problem, but in arid regions there is already not enough water to spend on solar cells. It is also problematic to clean the solar elements located on the roofs of buildings. There are companies that clean manually, with the help of robots and special devices.
Startup Sol Clarity has developed a panel cleaning system that uses an additional electrodynamic layer that works with a small electrical charge. The system is called Electrodynamic Screen (or EDS). For now, the company needs to continue testing the system and secure funding.
Ultimately, the problem that could threaten solar panels on the planet — it's dust So far, some companies are looking for ways to solve it.