
"Phobic" comes from the Greek root "phobos," meaning "fear," and "hydro" refers to water, which in the literal sense the word means "fear of water." 

Hydrophobicity is a property that lacks affinity for water, does not absorb or mix with it, referring to a surface that repels water and water-based materials. 

The molecules of hydrophobic agents are typically non-polar (no positive or negative charge zones), when water and water-based materials come into contact with a hydrophobic surface, these drops spread and slide easily off the surface.

Glass has a typically hydrophilic behaviour by nature, i.e. water molecules falling on glass tend to stick to its surface. Hydrophobic coatings for glass change the behaviour of the surface, making them hydrophobic and repelling water drops.
 Theoretically, the maximum hydrophobicity is 180°, and in this case a droplet is perfectly spherical, contacting the surface at a singular, almost imperceptible point.
 Water and water-based materials appear to bounce off a hydrophobic surface, where it looks as if it is exerting a force against the drop of water and pushing it away, however this is not what happens, there is simply no attraction between the surface and the drop of water, as if the drop cannot hold on and just slides away.

This type of coating when applied to the glass of the solar panels changes the behaviour of its surface, which begins to repel water droplets. The hydrophobic coating provides an invisible, durable film that offers waterproofing, residue-resistant properties.

In times of rain, the water drops that fall on the hydrophobic surface, agglomerate and eventually slide off the panel (when it is installed with a certain inclination) dragging the dirt particles with them, thus conferring self-cleaning properties.

D-Solar Defender and IGP developed by ChemiTek are examples of hydrophobic coatings, which help to clean surfaces.

An Antistatic coating has properties that prevent or limit the formation of static electricity. An antistatic agent is an agent used for the treatment of materials or surfaces in order to reduce or eliminate the accumulation of static electricity.

 The electrostatic energy present on the surface of objects is caused by the imbalance between the positive and negative charges of the material. This energy is responsible for the forces of attraction between the material surface and certain dirt particles, causing the deposition of these particles and making it difficult to clean the materials.
 The role of an antistatic agent is to make the surface or the material itself slightly conductive.

When we talk about the behaviour of this type of coating on the glass of solar panels, its properties have the objective of repelling the dirt deposited on the glass, avoiding the adherence of dirt to the glass, which causes these particles to easily detach from the glass of the solar panel.


Antistatic agents are compounds which dissipate this electrostatic energy, reducing the attraction between the surface of the material and the dirt particles. Therefore, antistatic coatings reduce the attraction between dirt and the surface of the solar panel, reducing the accumulation of dirt and facilitating the cleaning process.

Antistatic coatings therefore have dirt-repellent properties, such as Antistatic Solar Armor and Solar Wash Protect, developed by ChemiTek. 

Which is the best option to keep my solar panels clean for longer?

Both coatings make cleaning the solar panels easier and help them stay clean for longer. However, the choice of which one to apply should be based on the type of climate in which the solar panels are installed:

·        Mild climates, with moderate periods of rain, anti-static coating is recommended;

·        Extreme climates (environments with a lot of rain) hydrophobic coating is recommended.

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This type of coating when applied to the glass of the solar panels changes the behaviour of its surface.

Hydrophobic Vs Antistatic Coating

Each day, the solar sector grows stronger, especially with the maturation of photovoltaic technologies. But what is the power behind these improvements? The answer comes with one name: chesmistry.

It is the key to the development of, say, for instance, more efficient solar cells, and it promisesto revolutionise how we generate - and store - energy. If you're wondering how, exactly, check some examples of chemistry innovations we bring to you.

Let's start with a 'spicy' discovery. If you like chili peppers, know that capsaicin, an active component that makes them hot, can actually be used to boost solar panels' efficiency. Researchers from East China Normal University, in Shanghai, found that cells treated with that compound improved their electricity transport, generating energy more effectively.

How about using less expensive materials to make solar cells? Say plastics, for example. In fact, plastics are made of polymers, which are long molecules. If you observe these polymers under a microscope, you will see that they look like spaghetti, but are actually a long chain that can conduct electricity. Now, by dissolving these polymers in solvents, we can make an ink that allows us to prin a solar cell - yes, just like printing newspaper. And this would be a great option to reduce the production costs of those solar pieces of equipment.

In terms of energy storage, chemistry can also guide us through a much brighter future. What if we could be able to use solar energy when the sun doens't show up, like on rainy days or even at night? In Sweden, researchers have a solution found in molecules. Let's keep the explanation short, molecules are made of two or more atoms. If we add energy to a molecule, that energy might become 'trapped' between the bonds that hold those atoms together. By 'suspending' this energy in a liquid made with these molecules, we can generate a solar-energy battery that can store that power for months or years. And this would surely be a key step to energy saving.

Last but not least, a creation of our own: Solar Wash Protect. A solution that promises to keep your solar panels shining. With this formula we can assure you that your equipment is cleaned and protected from all types of dirt. See for yourself in the video bellow!

Solar Wash Protect - TÜV TESTED & APPROVED - Dirty module cleaning product

So, it is easily understandable that chemistry has an irreplaceable role in solar technology maturation. To improve the efficiency and lifetime of photovoltaic cells, it is, undoubtedly, one path to take. Generally speaking, it is much more than that: it's the answer to a low carbon and green World.

Do you have any suggestions or topics about the solar universe you would like to read here? Reach us by e-mail (and go solar)!

Each day, the solar sector grows stronger, especially with the maturation of photovoltaic technologies.

How chemistry can be important in the renewable energy sector?

A very frequent question among solar panel cleaners is: can I use chemicals to clean solar panels? 
Yes, but beware! Solar cleaners and PV O&M teams should not be afraid of using cleaning solutions to clean PV panels, but they must know how to choose the correct solution to optimize their cleanings and protect the panels.

It is highly unrecommended the use of harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, to clean solar panels. These chemicals are aggressive, some even abrasive(!), and they will damage the anti-reflective coating, the silicone seals and even the frame of the panels. Additionally, they can be harmful to the environment if they are not used and disposed of properly. So, the best solution is to use a cleaning solution that was specifically designed and certified for use on solar panels.
 These solutions are formulated to be pH neutral, free from harsh chemicals, safe for both the PV panels and environment and effective at removing dirt, bird droppings, and other organic soiling.

ChemiTek Solar’s solution Solar Wash Protect (SWP) ticks all those boxes. Having as our primary concern the protection of the PV panels and environment, we researched, studied, and tested all the necessary components and formulas to provide you a perfect cleaning solution. It was also essential to test and certify our SWP in independent and international laboratories to give you assurance of its safety.
 As the final and crucial step, we reached out to the major PV manufacturers for their validation of our SWP as safe to use on their panels, thus not voiding their warranty.

We are aware that this is a very delicate topic and therefore we have combined an optimal cleaning solution with the independent certification and the compliance letters from manufacturers to provide comfort to our clients by protecting them from any possible issues.

Solar Wash Protect is a concentrated cleaning and antistatic protection product specifically developed for photovoltaic solar panels, effective in cleaning a wide range of organic dirt. The antistatic propertiesof SWP make future cleanings easier, keeps the panel cleaner between cleanings, reduces cleaning time and water consumption by up to 50%(on manual cleanings).

Do you have any suggestions or topics about the solar industry you would like to read here? Reach us by email (and go solar)!

You can use chemicals to clean solar panels, but how to choose the correct solution? We tell you all about it!

Can I use chemicals to clean my solar panels?

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