Omsk State Technical University (OmSTU) scientists have developed innovative solar panels equipped with an automatic system of cleaning and orientation towards the Sun, which allows to significantly increase the efficiency of solar power plants up to 90 per cent. 

Solar panels convert solar energy into electricity and are especially in demand in remote and isolated areas where laying power grids is an expensive endeavour.

According to the researchers, the efficiency of the panels depends on various environmental conditions. For example, a layer of dust on the surface reduces the amount of sunlight reaching the photocells, and snow almost completely blocks the sun’s rays. To solve this problem, scientists have proposed an automatic cleaning system that uses water to wash away contaminants in warm weather and a special anti-icing compound to remove ice in winter.

Anton Bubenchikov, associate professor at the OmSTU Department of Electrical Supply of Industrial Enterprises, explains that the system cleans the panels thanks to the formation of dew, which helps to quickly wash away dirt from the surface. “The application of the developed technologies helps to increase the efficiency of solar power plants by 30-60 per cent by optimising panel orientation and by 20-95 per cent through regular cleaning.”

In addition, the simplified design and lack of sensors will reduce the cost of operation and production of panels by 20-40 per cent.

The researchers are currently planning to optimise their project and bring it to market.

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