Dual-Function Electrodynamic Retrofit Film (ERF) for Solar Panels

An apparatus for dust removal and snow removal on a solar panel, the solar panel comprising a top surface and a plurality of active photovoltaic elements with intervening inactive regions defined by gaps between cells, bus bars, and finger grid lines of the solar panel, the apparatus comprising:

• a dual-function electrodynamic retrofit film (DFERF) comprising a transparent substrate and one or more nanomaterial electrodes (NMEs) disposed on the transparent substrate in one or more layers of the dual-function electrodynamic retrofit film (DFERF);
• a plurality of switches operatively connected to a power control unit (PCU), such that the plurality of switches is configured to switch the one or more nanomaterial electrodes (NMEs) from a first functionality for removing dust to a second functionality for removing snow;
• a power supply system including one or more power generators, one or more power sources, and a plurality of power supply circuits for providing electricity to the one or more nanomaterial electrodes (NMEs) in the dual-function electrodynamic retrofit film (DFERF),
• wherein the power supply system delivers a high-voltage alternating current to the one or more nanomaterial electrodes (NMEs) in the first functionality and a direct current to the one or more nanomaterial electrodes (NMEs) in the second functionality;
• and
• one or more sensors for monitoring conditions of the solar panel and environment for triggering the plurality of switches to switch the one or more nanomaterial electrodes (NMEs) from the first functionality to the second functionality, and from the second functionality to the first functionality,
• wherein, in the first functionality, a first subset of the one or more nanomaterial electrodes (NMEs) is activated as electrostatic force generators producing a traveling electric field wave that charges and repels dust particles from the top surface of the solar panel,
• wherein, in the second functionality, a second subset of the one or more nanomaterial electrodes (NMEs) is activated as resistive heaters for generating heat to melt accumulated snow on the solar panel,
• wherein the one or more nanomaterial electrodes (NMEs) are positioned to align with the inactive regions of the solar panel such that the active photovoltaic elements of the solar panel remain uncovered and unshaded by the one or more nanomaterial electrodes (NMEs).