Solar panel research to increase U of T’s renewable energy generation

Researchers Reece Lawrence and Mark Croxall have created a self-cleaning solar panel coating that rejuvenates existing infrastructure, generating more renewable energy towards U of T’s climate positive future.

Recent PhD graduates Reece Lawrence and Mark Croxall’s self-cleaning solar panel coating project, funded through a U of T climate positive energy grant, was recently tested on the solar panels on the roof of the Exam Centre. 

“This was the first time we’ve done a field trial of our own research,” says Croxall. “We were thrilled to achieve such promising results.”  

Lawrence and Croxall’s passion for renewable energy drove their research to create specialized, self-cleaning nanomaterials. Initially tested as self-cleaning agents in water for pharmaceutical companies, they discovered that the nanomaterials were most effective when applied on solar power infrastructure.   

Consisting of anti-reflective, dust-repellant nanoparticles, the coating allows solar panels to absorb maximal sunlight by reducing deflection and blockage, often caused by dust and other small particles. It is applied via a battery-operated spray coater and has a slight iridescent finish once dry. The researchers believe that the coating can remain effective for the lifetime of the panel but since testing is still underway, it currently has a guaranteed minimum lifespan of five years.  

The project’s trial runs were conducted at the Exam Centre, one of F&S’s main office locations. The solar panel coating allows the building’s existing solar energy infrastructure to generate five per cent more power.  

“I’m very proud of my students for implementing this project,” says Professor Cynthia Goh, who teaches chemistry at U of T and supervised Mark and Reece’s doctoral work. “Their strong research will directly contribute to helping the environment.” 

F&S actively supports U of T’s field research and collaborates closely with researchers to drive innovation. “We are happy to use F&S infrastructure to advance the university’s research mission,” says Albert Trinier, project manager with the sustainability office. “F&S is here to support faculty, students, and researchers—so, of course, we jumped at the opportunity to provide direct assistance.” 

This solar panel coating project is just one of U of T’s many projects funded by the climate positive energy grants, as part of the university’s commitment to become climate positive by 2050. 

F&S supports U of T’s cutting-edge research by ensuring the campus is adequately equipped to solve problems, test hypotheses, and explore big ideas.