Why Surface Engineering Matters
PV glass surfaces accumulate dust, pollen, bird lime, salt, industrial pollutants, and biological residues over their operational life. Contaminant adhesion directly affects optical interface quality and, under sustained soiling conditions, contributes to measurable output variability. Targeted surface engineering addresses the adhesion mechanism — not just the symptom.
Optical Interface Protection
Cleaner glass surfaces support more stable PV operation. Surface coatings reduce the rate at which contaminants accumulate and bond to the glass substrate.
Reduced Contaminant Adhesion
Lower bonding affinity for dust, pollen, bird lime, salt, grime, and environmental residues. Effect is mechanism-specific: Quartz via hydrophobic/oleophobic behavior; Titan via photocatalytic hydrophilicity.
Lower Cleaning Burden
Supports faster, less abrasive, less water-intensive maintenance cycles. SolarEX coatings support faster, less abrasive, and less water-intensive maintenance cycles by reducing contaminant adhesion and improving surface cleanability.
Mechanism-Led Selection
Quartz and Titan are selected through a technical pathway process based on UV availability, contamination profile, geography, and O&M objectives.
Two Pathways. Different Mechanisms.
SolarEX is not a single generic coating. It is a surface-engineering platform with two distinct product pathways, each targeting a different physical and chemical mechanism. SolarEX technical review helps identify the best-fit pathway for each site and accelerates confident product selection.
Passive Pathway
SolarEX Quartz — SiO₂
Ultra-thin SiO₂ nano-scale layer (100–150 nm). Hydrophobic and oleophobic surface architecture. No UV activation required — passive easy-clean and anti-stick mechanism operates independently of irradiance conditions.
- Anti-stick behavior: water, dust, bird lime, pollen, salt, grime, industrial pollution
- Best fit: inorganic/mineral soiling, low-UV environments, high-latitude sites
- 9H pencil hardness; pH 1.5–12.5 chemical stability
- No inhibition of light transmission per TÜV SÜD / spectrophotometer framing
- Application: HVLP spray or cloth; 15–17 mL/m² manual
Active Pathway
SolarEX Titan — TiO₂
Alcohol-based TiO₂ nanoparticle coating. UV/natural-sunlight activated photocatalysis sustains hydrophilic film behavior. Water condenses into continuous sheets rather than droplets — supporting rinse/self-cleaning and improved optical clarity.
- Anti-fog, easy-rinse, self-cleaning effect under sufficient UV exposure
- Best fit: organic/biological/atmospheric contamination with sufficient UV availability
- Film thickness: only a few nanometers
- UV availability is functionally important; not the primary pathway for low-UV contexts without technical assessment
- Consumption: 10–25 mL/m²; wipe/polish 10–15 mL/m²
Validated Technical Parameters
The following technical parameters reflect validated test results, application data, and product specifications from current SolarEX documentation. These parameters provide a validated technical basis for product selection, application planning, and commercial evaluation.
SolarEX Quartz — SiO₂
SolarEX Titan — TiO₂
Pathway Fit by Operating Environment
Site operating conditions — not product preference — determine the appropriate SolarEX pathway. The matrix below summarizes primary fit guidance. Each site should be assessed individually before pathway selection and application at scale.
Validated Evidence and Commercial Value
SolarEX evidence combines documented studies, field observations, technical validation, and commercial models. The results provide a strong basis for product selection, pilot planning, and value assessment across relevant PV operating environments.
Validated 360-Day Study
Titan PV³ Expert Study
360-day monitored field study — data collected February 8, 2023 to February 3, 2024 using 15-minute interval monitoring via Smartblue Smart Control. Coating applied October 13, 2022 per recommended procedures.
- Average yield uplift: +5.15% relative to uncoated controls
- String-level results: +5.62% / +5.22% / +4.62%
- "Jump-on" yield effect observed on lower-irradiation / suboptimal weather days
- Coated modules continued to outperform uncoated controls after routine cleanings
- Additional revenue: €128.94/year per coated string in study context
- Broader system extrapolation (4,011 modules): €24,627/year
Commercial ROI Model
Quartz - Regional ROI Model
Current Base-Case ROI Model — built on stated commercial assumptions. The model shows a net gain over a 3-year evaluation period before additional cleaning, water, labor, access, surface-wear, and downtime savings are included.
- Basis: 90 W/m² installed output, 3,000 sunshine hours/year
- Baseline output: 270 kWh/m²/year
- Energy value: €0.759/kWh
- Assumed performance increase: 2%
- Annual energy gain: 5.4 kWh/m²/year
- Annual added energy value: €4.10/m²/year
- Coating cost: €2.44/m²
- Estimated payback: ~217 days
- 3-year net gain after coating cost: €9.86/m²
Quartz Field & Technical Observations
Reduced adhesion and easy-clean behavior observed in field deployments. Measured field data and regional validation context available on request. Field observations support the technical value of Quartz in reducing adhesion, improving cleanability, and supporting lower cleaning burden across relevant PV operating contexts. Technical validation framing applies to all published parameters.
Documentation Available for Technical Review
SolarEX technical documentation supports pathway selection, application planning, evidence interpretation, and commercial evaluation. All packages are available on request — no automatic downloads. Content is aligned with current v3.1 product direction and validated source material.
Quartz Technical Package
Application instructions, technical parameters, Europe/Middle East regional models, validation context, spectrophotometer and TÜV SÜD framing.
Titan Technical Package
Application instructions, TiO₂ photocatalytic mechanism detail, PV³ expert study data, study context and limitations, application control requirements, and re-application guidance.
Pilot Review Package
Site assessment framework, pathway selection criteria, application method selection, monitoring protocol design, and evidence interpretation framework for sales and project review.
FAQ / Decision Support
Quartz vs. Titan selection, UV dependency, maintenance expectations, ROI model assumptions, evidence interpretation guidance, and contamination profile discussion.
Commercial Evaluation Context
ROI assumptions framework, cleaning burden quantification, site-specific value modeling guidance, and procurement/distributor discussion support.
From Site Assessment to Evidence Review
SolarEX application follows a structured technical workflow. Each stage is critical to application quality, coating performance, and evidence reliability. Each stage supports consistent application quality, reliable performance assessment, and stronger commercial decision-making.
This four-stage workflow applies to both Quartz and Titan pathways, with specific curing and activation requirements that differ between products. Site monitoring supports confident scale-up by documenting performance, cleaning impact, and commercial value under real operating conditions.
Technical Questions — Short Answers
The following FAQ addresses the most common technical and commercial questions from EPC teams, asset owners, O&M operators, and procurement specialists. Full decision-support documentation is available on request.
What is the difference between Quartz and Titan?
Quartz is a passive SiO₂ coating — hydrophobic and oleophobic, no UV activation required, anti-stick behavior, 100–150 nm layer. Titan is an active TiO₂ coating — UV/sunlight-activated photocatalysis, hydrophilic sheeting behavior, suited to organic/biological/atmospheric contamination where UV is sufficient. They are distinct mechanisms, not interchangeable products.
Which pathway is right for low-UV or high-latitude sites?
Quartz is the preferred pathway for low-UV and high-latitude contexts. Its passive mechanism operates independently of UV availability. Titan's photocatalytic activation depends on UV/natural sunlight; it is not the primary recommendation for low-UV environments without a site-specific technical assessment.
Does SolarEX eliminate cleaning requirements?
No. SolarEX coatings reduce cleaning burden — supporting faster, less abrasive, and less water-intensive maintenance cycles. They do not eliminate scheduled maintenance or replace site-specific O&M programs.
How should performance and ROI values be interpreted?
SolarEX performance values come from validated studies, field observations, and commercial models. Titan results are based on the PV³ study, Quartz commercial values are based on the ROI model, and field observations support product selection and pilot planning. Site parameters are used to refine the expected value case for each project.
Why is surface preparation critical?
Both Quartz and Titan require a clean, dry, residue-free surface prior to application. Surfactants/tensides, grease, silicone residues, oils, and contamination will prevent proper adhesion and compromise coating performance. Inadequate preparation invalidates performance comparisons and evidence collection.
What information is needed for a technical review?
Site location; PV system type and scale; Quartz/Titan/undecided; contamination profile; current cleaning frequency and method; UV/irradiance data if available; performance objective; pilot scope and timeline; and documentation requirements. Send available project information to info@solarex.no or submit the Technical Request form for pathway selection, pilot planning, and documentation review.
Start a SolarEX Technical Review
SolarEX technical reviews are available for pathway selection, application protocol design, pilot planning, evidence interpretation, commercial evaluation, and procurement support. Engage in English or Norwegian — response within two business days.
Technical & Project Review
For EPC teams, O&M operators, asset owners, and engineering consultants requiring pathway selection support, application protocol review, pilot design, monitoring framework, and evidence interpretation.
Documentation & Commercial Discussion
For technical package requests, commercial discussions, ROI assumptions review, procurement planning, and distributor or commercial partner dialogue.
SolarEX — Surface Engineering for Photovoltaic Glass
