Energy efficiency enhancement of photovoltaics by anti-reflection and self-cleaning thin film

Abstract

The demand of electrical energy is increasing with the population. Solutions for a stable, clean and renewable energy are in need. Solar energy has the potential to be the solutions. However, solar panel’s efficiency is lower than fossil fuel and with high maintenance cost. Therefore, we provide a solution to enhance solar panel performance and lower its maintenance cost, an anti-reflection and self-cleaning film. It increases the absorption rate of solar panel and keeps the panel surface dirt-free because of surface nanostructure. China would be our targeted market region. With 13th Five-Year Plan and feed-in tariffs clean energy cashback scheme, the demand for solar cells and modules is projected to be increase in China for the coming years. Also, with “One Belt One Road” initiative, China has important reason to support solar production selling abroad in developing countries, providing low-cost solar power to improve their living standard. It opens a great business opportunity to our product. In this work, we analyzed the potential of the product through the value it can generate, the cost of the product, 5 years financial forecast, pricing and funding strategy. This research effort is able to turn into a commercial product and enhance solar panels’ performance.

Date of Award	2018
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology