Germany-based Solmax has developed a reflective membrane made from polyethylene resins and coated with a skinny white polyethylene layer that displays ultraviolet (UV) rays. The corporate claims that the membrane can improve the power yield of a bifacial PV challenge between 5% and 20%, relying on the configuration of the plant.
Germany-based firm Solmax Geosynthetics GmbH, which provides “geosynthetic drainage geocomposites” has developed a fabric that reportedly will increase the albedo of the floor below a PV energy plant by about 70%, permitting extra which mild reaches the again facet of the bifacial modules. The fabric at first designed for environmental safety by having chemical substances and unsafe waste.
“The elevated albedo leads to extra irradiance reaching the again of the module,” mentioned the corporate’s EMEA worth engineer Douglas Sutherland. pv journal. “The quantity of irradiance will depend upon the geometric traits of the plant.”
Known as Geolux, the brand new product consists of a reflective geomembrane made from polyethylene resins and lined with a skinny white polyethylene layer that displays ultraviolet (UV) rays. In line with the producer, the fabric just isn’t inert and doesn’t trigger any chemical response with the soil.
“Geolux can enhance power yield between 5 to twenty% which suggests a corresponding levelized value of power (LCOE) discount of about 2% to five%,” claims Sutherland. “Ultimately, the principle limiter for extra power advantages is the AC capability. The query now’s whether or not or not it’s handy to vary the AC capability. This should be solved by making a trade- off between the extra power generated and the prices related to rising AC capability.
In line with Sutherland, builders can consider the impression of a brand new product within the early phases of challenge growth utilizing the albedo-app operate of the PVradar software program. “Design parameters comparable to AC capability might be optimized to make sure that PV plant homeowners get essentially the most out of albedo enhancement,” the producer mentioned.
At the least two individuals are required to put in the membrane and a pointy blade like a Stanley knife is required to chop it. Gripping pins are used to make sure that the fabric is held firmly in place.
By way of complete challenge value, the brand new product will imply $0.024/W in extra Capex. “Utilizing our expertise with a 500 MW challenge within the Center East, accounting for latest inflation, it value roughly million for the complete challenge,” Sutherland mentioned. “It was $8 million two years in the past and it’s anticipated that the costs will fall once more sooner or later.”
Sutherland added that the fabric additionally prevents weed progress below the modules, providing important O&M financial savings.
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