A research team led by Professor Lee Joo-hyuk from the Center for Energy Science and Engineering at the National Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) has developed a new device that enhances the efficiency of solar panels by removing and preventing contamination from their surface.
This device utilizes friction to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, which is then applied to cleanse the surface of solar panels with an electrodynamic shield, thereby ensuring stable solar power generation.
Solar panels are increasingly utilized as a sustainable energy source, but their efficiency necessitates regular maintenance due to potential surface contamination. Traditionally, cleaning solar panels entails the use of high water pressure, which is both inefficient and impractical under extreme conditions.
To address this issue, the researchers devised a technology that harnesses mechanical wind energy to generate electricity and cleanse solar panels. The findings demonstrated that this device is capable of restoring solar panel efficiency by 90% or more after removing contaminants.
Dr. Li emphasized that this technology harnesses natural wind energy to cleanse solar panels and will continue to be refined to further enhance solar energy efficiency in the future.