Snow accumulation on solar panels during winter months in northern climates worldwide results in energy losses ranging from 5% to 15%. In some cases, heavy snowfall can even lead to mechanical loads that damage photovoltaic (PV) modules.
However, a breakthrough solution has been developed by materials and engineering scientists at the University of Toledo. This innovative approach has garnered recognition and is meeting the needs of 150 solar plant operators in recent pilot tests.
The solution involves a unique strip applied exclusively to the lower edge of the solar panel. This strip induces snow melting without disrupting sunlight absorption. In a video showcasing the Snow-Free Solar technology, the inventors from Ohio emphasize that the strip is easy to apply, causing no partial shading or hot spots on the panel. Remarkably, it doesn’t void the module warranty and can even enhance the panels’ lifespan. This advancement addresses the longstanding challenge of snow accumulation, offering a cost-effective and efficient remedy for solar energy systems in cold climates.
The flexible strip doesn’t require any energy they are operated. Moreover, the coatings used are “extremely durable, strongly adhering to the PV.”
“There is no need for power—it is passive,” says Hossein Sojoudi. He is the Associate Professor and Technical Advisor who founded Snow-Free Solar. “You apply it to the lower bottom and it works from there.”
The installation of these panels is incredibly simple, requiring no expertise; even untrained individuals can complete the job.
The company refrains from sharing technical specifications due to fierce competition in the industry. However, extensive durability tests conducted by a solar photovoltaic testing laboratory during multiple winters have not revealed any identified failure modes yet.
“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.
They broadened their pilot test collaborations to encompass additional regions and utility companies, expecting thousands of installations by the close of 2023.
Data revealed an annual improvement of over 3.4% in power generation in Massachusetts and 5.1% in Japan.
By directly selling to pilot test partners and achieving a payback period of 2 years, they project producing 1 million strip coatings by the end of 2024.
“Our solution is a game-changing technology,” said their business adviser Dan Vining.
The recipients of the American Made Solar Prize intend to utilize the awarded funds to recruit skilled professionals and sustain their initiatives aimed at deploying 28 million utility scale solar panels in eleven U.S. states prone to heavy snowfall. This ambitious endeavor, supported by the prize money, holds the potential to generate an extra $150 million in annual revenue. By innovatively commercializing their snow-resistant solar panels, they aspire to fulfill the vision of making solar energy accessible and reliable throughout the entire year.
This funding will not only amplify their research and development efforts but it will also accelerate the practical realization of renewable energy solutions, marking a significant stride towards sustainable energy practices in these challenging climates.
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