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Join Date: Oct 2008
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SOLAR CELLS

11/01/2008 12:39 AM

As you all know, Sun is the ultimate source of energy, but still its energy remains untapped....Solar cells is one way but main problem with solar cells, in India is, that owing to this lot of Pollution, a passive layer of dust forms on the solar panels which inhibts energy absorption an thus the efficiency.

If any type of dust-resistant film may be layered which prevents deposition of dust on the solar panels.

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Guru
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#1

Re: SOLAR CELLS

11/01/2008 2:22 AM

Hello swapnil_17

At present there is no way of preventing the layer of dust, except by regular removal of it by water sprinkler or mechanical method (Polishing it off by hand).

The hand method can give employment to a large number of people, if the installation is large.

Because of the danger of "Sunstrike" or blindness, Mirror/solar panel cleaning is normally done during the hours between sunset and sunrise.

Kind Regards....

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: SOLAR CELLS

11/01/2008 11:49 PM

Thnx 4 ur comment....

Bt actually mechanical methods are cumbersome and difficult,i am in search of an efficient method which does not require physical cleaning.

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#3
In reply to #2

Re: SOLAR CELLS

11/02/2008 1:47 AM

Please let us know if you find a solution to this problem.

My car is really dirty and I need a way to clean it that isn't cumbersome or difficult.

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#5
In reply to #3

Re: SOLAR CELLS

11/02/2008 4:59 AM

Simple, keeping it hermatically sealed at all times.

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#4
In reply to #2

Re: SOLAR CELLS

11/02/2008 1:23 AM

Hi swapnil 17,

Sparky's giving you a very valid and brilliant advise not making "comments" as you claim. he is one of my Idol in CR4, everytime I see his reply to the forum I used to read it because I can always learn from it. however same thing with dayhead (comments) I am also keen to know if you can find "efficient method which does not require physical cleaning" as my desk is always dusty and I am very lazy just to call one of my Engineering staff to clean it.

Kind regards

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#6
In reply to #1

Re: SOLAR CELLS

11/02/2008 7:33 AM

Just a note........dust is problematic and can be readily washed off. However, certain types of pollen have an acidic chemistry that, when mixed with, say, the morning dew, will permanently etch most silicate and polymere materials.

This is a problem I have not been able to rectify other than by using cerium oxide as a polish and a lot of elbow grease.

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#7
In reply to #6

Re: SOLAR CELLS

11/02/2008 12:06 PM

Cerium oxide! Your optical background is showing,Mssr. Duck in the Pond. I see you've changed your AVATAR.

Original poster, What about installing nozzles around the top of the plates to blast a jet of compressed air intermittently? (Power consumption of the compressor could easily be a huge parasitic load if operated like an air knife or barrier continuously)

I have seen installations in SoCal where they needed to sweep photovoltaics weekly to remove the dust, I can imagine a daily regimen would be needed if air quality particulates were even worse.

On my last visit to monterrey MX, They sold fluffy dusters like we would use inside the house for dusting blinds, to be used to remove the dust from the cars exteriors.

In that place, water was not an option.

milo

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#8
In reply to #7

Re: SOLAR CELLS

11/02/2008 12:58 PM

After 25 yrs maintaining solar collectors I'm sick of it. Their lifespan isn't that great either though I've heard the newer ones last upwards of 6-8 yrs under optimal conditions (cooling, glass replacement etc helps in the longevity). Heresy in some circles but Give me the GRID (which I just got)!

Cer. oxide also great to use on auto windows.......takes out the fine etch (wash windows prior and use a chamois which should be kept in a clean containor).

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Guru
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#11
In reply to #7

Re: SOLAR CELLS

11/03/2008 6:26 PM

Hello Milo

Sadly the jets of compressed air do not do the job well, as the dust soon settles onto all nearby surfaces, including the solar collector surfaces.

Kind Regards....

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#9

Re: SOLAR CELLS

11/03/2008 5:36 AM

It sounds as though the location has a dust containment problem....

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#10
In reply to #9

Re: SOLAR CELLS

11/03/2008 6:01 AM

PW...if your ref. is to my post I can answer that the location is actually quite pristine ie no industrial fallout.

I suspect it's the acidity from pollen coming off pine trees that eventually causes the glass to become opaque. Another possible cause is smoke from my fireplace which sinks on very cold days.

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Users who posted comments:

dayhead (1); Duckinthepond (3); Isti80 (1); Milo (1); PWSlack (1); Roman (1); Sparkstation (2); swapnil_17 (1)

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