DSM, a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials, today unveiled its new Anti-Soiling (AS)coating for Photovoltaic (PV) solar glass.
The new coating provides a unique combination of anti-soiling and anti-reflective properties, and is aimed specifically at PV modules in dry, desert-like climates. It delivers a performance win-win for the growing number of solar parks bysecuring highest module output,whilesimultaneously boostingelectricity output further byreducing soilinglosses from dust and dirt – traditionally a major challenge in arid conditions. DSM’s Anti-Soiling coating brings direct performance improvements and indirect maintenance savings, boosting the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of PV solar projects.
Same sun. More power.™
While solar energy has become a keypartof the global energy mix over the past decade, more work is needed for it to increasingly become a global and financially viablealternative to fossil fuels – which essentially means reducing the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of solar PV. The new AS coating aims to achieve this by boosting module output in the field; building on the success of DSM’s industry-leading Anti-Reflective coatings – which alreadydeliver a 3% energy gain in flash tests.
Jan Grimberg, Global Business Director DSM Advanced Solar, said: “In extensive testing at the TÜV SÜD desert test site in Dunhuang in China, we have shown that this new Anti-Soiling coating consistently outperforms our own industry leading Anti-Reflective coating in terms of power– each month more than 1% extra on average. The actual performance at the customer will depend on local conditions, including the type of soiling and climate conditions. We are convinced that by using this coating, the financial performance of PV parks in arid climates, the internal rate of return (the IRR) can be improved by the combination of higher energy output due to less soiling losses and reduced cleaning costs.”
From test to commercialization
The newAS coating is based on DSM’s proprietary core-shell sol-gel technology, which provides a high transmission gain. The coating composition has been modified to minimize dust adhesion while optimizing dust removal. The product has been extensively tested by DSM, various leading institutes and module manufacturers, both in the lab and in outdoor test locations all over the world. DSM is now scaling up the AS coating to production size and the product is available for pilot scale testing. DSM is working with the world’s leading PV solar glass manufacturer Flat Glass Group, based in Jiaxing City, Zhejiang, China, to supply DSM Anti-Soiling coated PV glass to modules manufacturers.
Edwin Zhao, General Manager of FGG Solar PV Glass said: “Over the last 20 years Flat has become a large-sized glass manufacturer with total assets of more than 4 billion Yuan and integrated research and development, manufacturing and processing facilities of glass. DSM and Flat have been cooperation partners for several years now and we worked closely on a variety of new product and new technology development activities. We are extremely proud to bring for the first time to the market solar modules coated with the innovative DSM Anti-Soiling coating, fulfilling an unmet need of our customers, who want to reduce the soiling rates and number of cleaning cycles, want an easier and faster cleaning with less consumables such as scarce water, and lower residual soiling after cleaning.”
To learn more about DSM Anti-Soiling coating, visit us at the SNEC 11th (2017) International Photovoltaic Power Generation Conference & Exhibition from 19-21 April in Shanghai (Booth #W5-350) or at MENA New Energy 2017, 25-26 April, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
DSM – Bright Science. Brighter Living.™
Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders simultaneously. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM and its associated companies deliver annual net sales of about €10 billion with approximately 25,000 employees. The company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information can be found at www.dsm.com/solarorwww.dsm.com.
DSM in China
DSM began trading with China in 1963 and established its first China sales office and first manufacturing facility in early 1990s. The company currently has 42 affiliates in China including 21 manufacturing sites and employs over 4,200 people. DSM China regional headquarters and China Science and Technology Center is located in Shanghai. For further information, please visit www.dsm.com.cn.
Media Contact:
Christina Celestine
DSM Asia-Pacific
Tel: +65-66326591
Email: Christina.celestine@dsm.com
Jasmine Dang
DSM (China) Limited
Tel: +86-2161418165
Email :Jasmine.dang@dsm.com
