Project Name: Non-Reflective Solar Panels for Solar Arrays in Glint and Glare Sensitive Locations
Funding Program: Small Business Voucher Pilot
SunShot Subprogram: Technology to Market
Location: McLean, VA
SunShot Award Amount: $129,000
Partner Laboratory: Sandia National Laboratories
Over 120 gigawatts of solar energy potential exists on lands at or near public airports, small private airfields, and military airfields and training areas in the United States. A barrier to full and efficient implementation of photovoltaic (PV) arrays on these lands is the risk of visual impairment to aircrew or tower personnel caused by glint or glare. Nishati Inc. is combining proven materials and design elements with new solar panel assembly techniques to produce a non-reflective commercial PV panel. The company will use Sandia National Laboratories’ specialized equipment and methods for PV module optical characterization and performance testing to will quantify reflectivity characteristics and low-reflectivity performance benefits, which will aid in understanding materials and methods to further optimize modules.
Approach
By combining proven materials and design elements with new solar panel assembly techniques, Nishati is able to produce a non-reflective commercial PV panel. The company takes a holistic approach to solar panel design for low glint and glare applications that considers a wide range of solar panel materials, design details, components, and surface texturing. The resulting design is anticipated to maximize performance while minimizing reflectivity.
Innovation
The testing support provided under this voucher will help to accelerate development and transition of Nishati’s PV modules from the military and portable solar markets to commercial markets. Reducing panel glint and glare will also likely help to increase the amount of solar energy produced. Ultimately, enabling solar PV installation in glint and glare constrained locations has the potential to greatly expand solar implementation with minimal impact to land availability.