Cleaning solutions company Chemitek Solar has revealed the results of a study into the ecotoxicity of its Solar Wash Protect (SWP) and Water Softening Agent (WSA) products for use in cleaning floating PV (FPV). This new report, carried out by the Portuguese laboratory Center for Waste Valorization (CVR), assessed and confirmed the safety of the products for the aquatic fauna and flora commonly found in the water bodies where FPV is installed.
The research shows that the SWP only requires a water column under the modules, with a depth of 6 cm (2.36 inches) to remain below the safety threshold. The WSA results indicate that an even lower water column of only 1 mm (0.04 in) is required. FPV installations have on average a water column under the modules of more than 1 m (3.28 ft), which is well above the requirements of the study.
Maintenance of FPV plants is often quite challenging due to the presence of birds. They use the modules as a safe haven from most predators and also as a heat source. Their presence leads to constant contamination with bird droppings that are difficult to clean with water alone. Using Chemitek Solar solutions will make cleaning easier and faster, reducing plant O&M costs and increasing its performance.
The water softener is designed to capture the mineral ions present in hard water to prevent the appearance of hard water stains and stains after cleaning. The Solar Wash Protect is a cleaning and protection product for cleaning organic pollution and applies an anti-static anti-pollution layer to the modules. The cleaning agent, present in the formula, makes the removal of the feces easier and faster. The presence of the coating reduces the adhesion of the feces to the modules, making them easier to clean during the next cleaning.
News item from Chemitek Solar
