The Portugal-based company has developed a metal oxide removal product for PV installations near foundries, steel mills and metal ore mines.
Chemitek Solar, a Portuguese manufacturer of industrial maintenance products for the PV industry, has launched a new product line to remove metal oxides, such as aluminum oxide and iron oxide, or rust, from solar panels installed near foundries, steel mills and metal ore mines.
The product is available as a concentrate in 5kg and 20kg drums and can be applied via water-fed piles, electric rotary brushes, robots, brush-on-tractor methods and manually with brushes.
“Extensive laboratory and field testing has confirmed the effectiveness of the agent, showing that it does not harm the anti-reflective coatings, silicone or aluminum frame of solar panels,” the manufacturer said in a press release, adding that the product for removing metal oxide , called MRA, is non-abrasive and does not cause damage to the panels.
The metal oxide removal agent is certified by the German certification body TÜV Sud. In addition, Chemitek’s Portugal-based CVR (Centre for Waste Valorization) was commissioned to assess the product’s biodegradability as defined in the OECD Guideline for the Testing of Chemicals – 301 F Manometric Respirometry Test. “Using activated sludge from a local wastewater treatment plant, the study determined that the MRA is readily biodegradable, with testing confirming that it meets industry standards,” Chemitek said.
As a proactive cleaning measure, the company recommends using MRA in combination with its anti-static coatings, Solar Wash Protect and Antistatic Solar Armor, to slow the build-up and adhesion of contaminants.
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