Dr. Tanyakorn Muangnapoh, a researcher in NANOTEC Innovative Nanocoating Research Team has developed a nanoparticle coating for solar panels that suits Thailand’s tropical climate. The silica-based coating is designed to repel dust, water with an antimicrobial property, making it easy to keep the panels clean. As accumulated dust and contaminants reduce the efficiency, this nanoparticle coating helps maintain the efficiency of solar panels and reduce the maintenance costs. In addition, the coating is free from toxic chemicals. The product comes in an easy-to-use liquid formulation that can be applied to solar panels onsite or prior to installation.
This coating technology has a wide range of applications such as a self-cleaning coating for construction materials, an anti-corrosive coating for metals, and a water-and-dust repellent and antimicrobial coating for leather and fabric.
NANOTEC recently partnered with Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited (GPSC) demonstrating the potential of this nanocoating technology. The special coating was applied to a rooftop solar installed at Sa Kaeo College of Agriculture and Technology under the company’s Light for a Better Life campaign.