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

May 31, 2019
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.

Read Next

October 23, 2025
US solar manufacturer T1 Energy sold approximately 725MW of solar modules in Q3 2025, as it continues to expand US manufacturing capabilities.
Sponsored
October 22, 2025
LONGi vice president Dennis She discusses the value logic behind the company's strategic focus on back contact technology.
October 22, 2025
US thin-film manufacturer First has revealed another transfer of its 45X manufacturing tax credits in a deal worth around US$775 million.
October 20, 2025
Details of tariffs on US imports of polysilicon products may be announced as early as the end of this month, according to a note from investment bank Roth Capital.
October 16, 2025
US utility-scale solar additions grew by 56% in 2024, reaching 30GW from 2023’s 19GW and representing over 54% of all new electricity generation capacity added in the country last year.
October 15, 2025
Independent power producer (IPP) Geronimo has begun construction on it’s150MW solar project in Illinois and commissioned the 125MW PV project in Michigan.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 10, 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal