TU Dublin Secures Research Ireland Funding for Pioneering Self-Cleaning Solar Panel Technology
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) has been awarded €79,779 under the Research Ireland Industry RD&I Fellowship (IRDIF) to develop cutting-edge self-cleaning solar panel technology in collaboration with Kastus Technologies. The project, led by Dr Nima Gorji in partnership with Dr James Kennedy from Kastus Technologies, aims to enhance photovoltaic (PV) efficiency through smart photocatalytic surface coating technology.
Soiling effects on PV panel surfaces can cause power losses exceeding 1% per day, significantly impacting energy conversion efficiency. In 2023 alone, estimated revenue losses due to soiling reached €11.5 billion. The introduction of a self-cleaning coating could potentially mitigate €2.3 billion (20%) of these losses for the PV industry.
Dr Gorji expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating:
It’s an honour to collaborate with Kastus Technologies under the Research Ireland funded project to advance our groundbreaking self-cleaning coating for solar panels. This innovation not only addresses the €11.5 billion energy loss caused by soiling annually but also sets the stage for sustainable, long-lasting solutions in the PV industry. I’m excited to see this transformative technology move closer to reshaping energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact worldwide.
Hydrophobic coatings have traditionally been applied to PV panels, but they suffer from UV instability, durability concerns, and require re-application every 1 to 5 years. Kastus Technologies presents an innovative solution through its smart multifunctional coating, which is applied during manufacturing as a one-time application. This transparent, durable, and hydrophilic coating offers self-cleaning and anti-reflectance properties, reducing water usage, maintaining panel efficiency, and ensuring long-term performance at a competitive cost.
Dr James Kennedy, CTO-Kastus Technologies said:
We are honoured to receive the RD&I Fellowship Award from Research Ireland. This recognition is a testament to our team's dedication and innovation in developing advanced anti soiling solar coating technology with the support of TU Dublin. With this commitment, we are poised to bring our cutting-edge solutions to the global market, enhancing the efficiency and longevity of solar panels worldwide. This award not only validates our efforts but also propels us towards a sustainable future powered by clean energy.
The Research Ireland Industry RD&I Fellowship provides essential funding for academia-industry collaborations that drive innovation and sustainable technological advancements. Further details can be found from here: Research Ireland Press Release.