ZNShine’s graphene coated G12 PV panels achieves the highest level of panel self-cleaning

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The application of a graphene film layer on panels increases the light transmission performance between 0.5 - 1%, resulting in a panel peak performance increase in the range of 2 – 3Wp. Being super hydrophilic, particulates on the glass are taken away quickly by the rain without residual water required. Image: ZNShine

PV module manufacturer ZNShine PV Tech have developed graphene coating in collaboration with the China University of Science and Technology for its G12 Series of monocrystalline panels, which is said to increase the transmission properties of the glass, while the hydrophobic effect of the graphene coating achieves the highest level of panel self-cleaning, reducing O&M costs for commercial and utility-scale PV power plants. 

Problem

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Commercial and utility-scale PV power plants typically use regular manual cleaning methods to clean the surface of PV modules. This type of cleaning method is difficult to unify and it is likely to cause problems such as cracking of the PV cell and generate residual water stains on the surface of the module. The regular cleaning costs using labour resources adds to the overall O&M costs. According to industry estimates, a PV power plant with an installed capacity of 50MW could expend around US$150,000 per year for panel cleaning maintenance.

Solution

The application of a graphene film layer on panels increases the light transmission performance between 0.5 – 1%, resulting in a panel peak performance increase in the range of 2 – 3Wp. Being super hydrophilic, particulates on the glass are taken away quickly by the rain without residual water required. 

Applications

Residential PV systems, commercial, DG systems and utility-scale PV power plants.

Platform

ZNSHINE’s grapheme-coating module is compatible with PERC technology and black silicon technology. The G12 graphene series comes in a 12-busbar and 5-busbar format as well as a double-glass graphene module. 

Availability

Currently available.

7 October 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
PV Tech has been running an annual PV CellTech Conference since 2016. PV CellTech USA, on 7-8 October 2025 is our third PV CellTech conference dedicated to the U.S. manufacturing sector. The events in 2023 and 2024 were a sell out success and 2025 will once again gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing in the U.S. out to 2030 and beyond.

Read Next

September 17, 2025
Chinese module producer DAS Solar is planning a 5GW manufacturing facility focused on producing high-efficiency back contact cells.
Premium
September 17, 2025
PV CellTech: Martin Pochtaruk, CEO of North American solar module manufacturer Heliene, says US producers must learn to survive without tax incentives.
September 16, 2025
IB Solar is investing INR30 billion (US$340 million) in a 4GW TOPCon solar cell and module manufacturing plant in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.
September 15, 2025
Vikram Solar has secured a contract to supply 200MW of modules to AB Energia, a domestic solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) solutions provider. 
September 11, 2025
US cell manufacturer ES Foundry is proceeding with expansion plans despite a six-month delay due to recent trade and tax credit policy uncertainties.
Premium
September 11, 2025
PV CellTech USA: US cell manufacturer ES Foundry’s CEO Alex Zhu discusses his company's rapid ascent, strategic technology choices and the challenges of operating in a shifting policy environment.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA