Dust accumulating on solar panels is a major problem, reducing output by as much as 30% in just one month, so regular cleaning is essential. Globally, a 3 to 4 percent reduction in power output would amount to a loss of between $3.3 billion and $5.5 billion. Solar power is expected to reach 10% of global power generation by 2030, much likely to be located in desert areas. A method has been devised to automatically clean solar panels, or the mirrors of solar thermal plants, in a waterless, no-contact system that could significantly reduce the dust problem. It uses electrostatic repulsion to cause dust particles to detach and virtually leap off the panel’s surface, without the need for water or brushes.
Story Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220311141427.htm