The challenge of removing snow downfall on photovoltaic solar cell roofs in order to maximize solar energy efficiency—Research opportunities for the future

Abstract

The challenge of removing snow downfall on photovoltaic solar cell roofs, also including solar thermal panels and walls, in order to maximize the solar energy efficiency, is investigated. A special emphasis is given on possible research opportunities for the future. As the application of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products is increasing, it is becoming more important to solve this challenge in order to maximize the solar energy harvesting from buildings. In addition, a solution within this field, may also be utilized in other areas, e.g. for window roofs and traffic signs which are often concealed by snow and ice. Various ideas and possible steps towards a solution of the challenge are discussed, which may then in turn set in motion creative thinking and problem solving paths with new follow-up investigations. Several aspects with snow covering solar panels are treated and discussed, including possible paths towards a working solution. Furthermore, this work presents the compilation and discussion of an experimental method for measuring friction between snow/ice and various building roof surfaces. Some results from these experimental investigations are discussed, including a slip angle and a friction coefficient classification system for roofing types and material surfaces with respect to snow and ice.

Building Integrated Photovoltaics: A Concise Description of the Current State of the Art and Possible Research Pathways

“…Self-cleaning aspects and how to avoid snow and ice formation on the solar cell surfaces will also be important issues to address [172][173][174]. Figure 23 illustrates this challenge as, depending on the climate conditions, snow and ice may stick to smooth glass surfaces for large inclination angles and even for vertical surfaces [173].…”

“…Thus, in order to find solutions for these challenges investigations on superhydrophobic and icephobic surfaces are being conducted [173], where some examples are shown in Figures 25 and 26 [177][178][179]. Several studies on superhydrophobic surfaces and icephobicity may be found in the literature [172,173,[177][178][179][180][181][182][183][184][185][186][187][188][189][190][191][192], where ultimately these may lead to future solar cells able to avoid or minimize ice and snow formation on their surfaces.…”

“…Figure 23 illustrates this challenge as, depending on the climate conditions, snow and ice may stick to smooth glass surfaces for large inclination angles and even for vertical surfaces [173]. Then, the result may become manual and mechanical methods for removing snow from solar cell roofs as depicted in Figure 24 [175,176].…”

Low-emissivity materials for building applications: A state-of-the-art review and future research perspectives

“…electrochromic materials (Baetens et al [6], Jelle and Hagen [29][30], Jelle et al [31] and Jelle [38]), self-cleaning glazing (Midtdal and Jelle [52]), building integrated photovoltaics (Jelle et al [35] and Jelle and Breivik [36][37] and snow and ice related issues for e.g. solar cell panels (Jelle [39]) should be noticed. The robustness of these materials should also be addressed and evaluated (Jelle et al [40]).…”

Generation and combination of the solar cells: A current model review

“…[85][86][87][88] Obstruction of light is a serious concern for photovoltaic systems, so studying and understanding its effective factors such as temperature is very important. Snow and ice, as dust, can accumulate on the panels and prevent the light from reaching the cells and consequently cause to reduce the produced power.…”