Siemens Energy and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in the UAE have signed a one-year agreement for cooperation in solar energy technology research and development to enhance the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels in the Middle East region. Joint testing and research activities will focus on investigating the properties of solar panel coatings.
The surfaces of solar panels at PV plants are regularly exposed to sand, dust and other forms of soiling. Under the R&D agreement, Siemens and Masdar Institute, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, are focusing on developing coatings and soiling models for these modules that require less water for cleaning than current high performance modules. Another target of these joint R&D efforts is to identify commercial applications for solar technology in the Middle East region.
The collaboration agreement takes advantage of Masdar Institute’s ability to provide fundamental insights upon which new solar energy innovations will be developed. The collective efforts aim to tap both Siemens’ and Masdar Institute’s strengths in the ‘research, development, demonstration and deployment’ innovation lifecycle.
“Both Siemens and Masdar Institute have been working independently on solar energy R&D in the past,” said Martin Pfund, CEO of the Siemens Energy Photovoltaic business unit.
“With the current agreement we are addressing the special challenges associated with deploying PV panels in the Middle East. Higher profits gained with solar panels that become less soiled and cost less to clean are an important lever for making photovoltaic electricity competitive, especially in desert regions.”
Source: Arab News, 21 Jan. 2012