A major advantage of agri-parks is the possibility of dual land use. Solar modules can be installed on agricultural land without affecting agricultural use. This so-called ‘agri-photovoltaics’ makes it possible to both cultivate food and generate solar energy at the same time. This leads to a far more efficient use of land resources and reduces the pressure on unused natural areas. Partial shading by solar modules can protect certain plants from excessive sunlight and evaporation. This can lead to a better growing environment in hot and dry regions and increase harvest yields. The integrated use of solar technology can therefore not only provide energy, but also higher agricultural productivity.
‘However, it should be taken into account that the solar panels can be exposed to heavy soiling due to this agricultural use. This can be caused by the dust generated by tractors and harvesting machines as well as by the extensive spreading of fertilizer or similar,’ says Markus Geßner, Head of Marketing and Sales at Emil Otto GmbH. Emil Otto specializes in the production of fluxes for solar panel production as well as the production of cleaning agents for the panels themselves. ‘Due to the combined use of cultivated areas and the resulting contamination of solar technology, we believe that the cleaning agents used must be ecologically highly compatible. After all, everything that drips off the solar panels or ends up in the ground in other ways ends up in our food chain,’ continues Geßner.
For this reason, the company has developed a range of highly effective and biodegradable cleaners that are formulated on a water basis and have been specially developed for use in solar parks. Their excellent surface wetting properties allow the cleaners to be applied by spraying, brushing and with automatic cleaning systems. Depending on the degree of soiling, alkaline, acidic or neutral cleaners can be used. These are generally VOC-free and dissolve even the most persistent soiling, from dust and salt soiling such as limescale and lime residues and deposits to lichen, moss and algae. Cleaning ensures that the solar module is restored to optimum efficiency. Emil Otto cleaners leave no greasy residues that can stick together and harden under UV radiation. They are gentle on the system and other materials used and are also not aggressive towards electronic components.