Back To Newsroom
The “easy clean” coating that dramatically improves solar panel performance
Concentrated solar power (CSP) and solar photovoltaic systems are becoming increasingly popular. One of the challenges faced by the solar industry is cost-effective cleaning and maintenance of systems for operation at optimal performance. FG Trading, in partnership with Unelko Corporation, offers total solar care solutions.
The cleaning conundrum
In order to provide the highest possible output, photovoltaic (PV) and mirrored panels need to be maintained in a clean, clear corrosion-free condition. This presents a challenge as panels on roofs and in solar plants are continuously exposed to the elements. Over time the adhesion and build-up of soil, grime, water spots, pollution, minerals and other contaminants reduces the penetration or concentration of sunlight.
Rain is unfortunately not an effective means of cleaning solar panels as it actually promotes the formation, adhesion and build-up of deposits. When the rainwater evaporates, the chemically-active components combine with organic and inorganic soil, leaving residue on the panel surface. Cleaning thus becomes necessary on a regular basis and can be incredibly time, labour and material intensive.
Total solar care solutions
Unelko Corporation have developed a unique line of products which offer an easier, more cost effective and environmentally-friendly way to clean, protect and maintain solar panels. Using the advanced treatments, ordinary glass or plastic panels are transformed into “easy-clean” surfaces with water, soil, stain, mineral, corrosion and scratch resistance.
Glass Scrub® is a mildly abrasive, cream cleanser that safely and effectively removes even the toughest stains without scratching, dulling or damaging the surface. It pre-cleans and restores surfaces of existing glass or plastic solar panels to a ‘like new’ condition without the need for harsh chemicals and abrasives.
Invisible Shield® PRO 15 is a high-performance, polymer-based protective coating that provides a long lasting, transparent barrier that effectively repels water, soil and stains, reducing the impact of exposure to environmental pollutants. It can be applied to both new and existing panels to reduce the frequency, difficulty and cost of cleaning.
Repel™ is a water-based, dual-action cleaner and coating that cleans to a streak-free shine and simultaneously protects surfaces with a water, soil and stain repellent barrier. It is recommended for maintenance of panels treated with Invisible Shield® PRO 15 to refresh the “easy clean” performance of the coating.
Superior surface protection
Invisible Shield® technology is the result of more than 40 years of research and development and represents the highest quality and standard in a protective coating. The Invisible Shield® PRO 15 coating has undergone extensive laboratory and field testing and offers unmatched performance and value in terms of ease of application, cost per square metre and durability.
The coating is easily applied with a wide variety of simple “wipe on” or “spray” applications with no required curing time. The coating provides incredible surface coverage with each application - one 950ml bottle will treat and protect approximately 100 square metres of surface, resulting in an extremely low cost per square metre.
Unelko offers a 15 year Performance Warranty and Lifetime Protection Guarantee for Invisible Shield® PRO 15. Applied properly and with periodic, light maintenance, the coating is extremely durable and can last up to 15 years on most exterior surfaces. It can also be infinitely renewed, depending upon use and exposure, without removing the prior treatment or risking build-up or discolouration.
Sustainable solar systems
Clean solar panels can result in increased output by up to 20%. Not only does the Unelko product line keep panels cleaner for longer and save time, labour and materials used for cleaning, it also improves their long-term performance and efficiency. By preventing buildup of contaminants and consequent staining and damage, the coating prolongs the lifespan of panels and reduces repairs and replacements.
The solar care solutions from Unelko promote a green approach to panel cleaning, protection and maintenance. Apart from eliminating the need for harsh chemicals and saving water due to easier, less frequent cleaning, all three products in the line are safe, environmentally friendly, readily biodegradable, non-flammable, non-corrosive, non-toxic and free of VOC.
Source: FG Trading, May 2019
