Ceramic Nanotech Coating for Solar Panels

Element 119 LLC proposes a Phase I study to determine the feasibility of developing a superior new solar panel coating for use by the U.S. Army. One of the largest users of energy in the world, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) strives to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, improve energy efficiency, and lower costs by moving toward renewable energy. Solar is frequently the energy source of choice for military installations, particularly in remote locations. Over time, however, the efficiency of solar panels decreases. Environmental factors such as dust, snow, and ice accumulation exacerbate the problem. To address this issue, Element 119 plans to enhance its proprietary ceramic protection to create a long-lasting coating that has anti-static properties to prevent dust buildup. The new coating will be optically clear and ultra-thin to avoid impeding light transmittance or impacting panel efficiency. The durable ceramic coating will also prevent scratches. Its self-cleaning, hydrophobic formulation will provide outstanding resistance to ice and snow accumulation, too. The goal is to reduce the need for maintenance and extend the life of a solar panel by 15%.