HybridShield Solar Coating

HybridShield Solar is NanoSonic’s nanostructured coating that can provide higher efficiency, self-cleaning properties and enhanced performance to photovoltaic (PV) panels or concentrating solar power (CSP) mirrors. HybridShield Solar is a non-halogenated, low-VOC, spray-on or brush-on coating that is non-toxic at every stage of development. It provides superior performance as a self-cleaning, anti-reflective, abrasion- and impact-resistant, durable, flame-resistant, optically-transparent, low-cost coating. NanoSonic is actively seeking a partnership with a photovoltaic or mirror manufacturer to work towards implementation of this technology to enable higher efficiency ratings and substantial cost reductions in the production and operations and maintenance (O&M) of PV modules using HybridShield.

NanoSonic expects the cost-per-watt of PV panels to be reduced by boosting panel efficiency with the addition of HybridShield on the panel surface; the transparent coating’s anti-reflectivity properties allow improved transmission of light from the protective glass or plastic to the solar cells. Also, our studies have shown that under the most rigorous sand abrasion testing conditions, the haze on nanocomposite-coated lenses was far less than uncoated lenses. The durability imparted to the surface of the glass or plastic covering on panels could also reduce the required thickness of the glass or plastic, thereby using fewer raw materials and reducing weight.

Panel efficiency is especially adversely affected by soiling; the potential energy loss depends on the level of accumulated filth from dust, dirt and bird droppings, tree and other vegetation detritus, but energy loss has been reported as high as 30% for very dirty panels. According to some experts, a dust layer of one-seventh of an ounce per square yard on solar mirrors decreases solar power conversion by 40%. In Arizona, for example, dust collects on solar mirrors each month at about four times that amount.

To keep panels clean, usually water and detergents are applied either by hand or using automated systems. With the addition of our high-performance coating, we anticipate a steep reduction in cleaning maintenance costs that will therefore further reduce life-cycle costs. Our hydrophobic coating sheds water, dust and dirt and is ideal for large solar farms or utilities that typically are located in desert areas with low-water availability and high dust, and lose efficiency because of soiling. Less cleaning means less friction on the components that will also help extend hardware life.

NanoSonic proposes to eliminate the costs associated with cleaning – for water, chemicals and detergents, personnel and labor, vehicles, diesel/gasoline fuels, accidents, injury… and the ultimate non-renewable resource: time. HybridShield Solar is designed to provide durability to the panels, protection to the surfaces, anti-reflective and self-cleaning properties, and higher performance of the associated components such as the solar cells or reflective surfaces. HybridShield Solar is in a stage of development that is ready for continued testing and launch to commercial product testing and implementation, including field testing on utility-scale PV. It is currently being tested by us on panels on the south side of our building.

Please contact us for further HybridShield (HybridSil®) information at HSinfo@nanosonic.com.