# Self-Cleaning Solar Panels Nano Coating Repels Dust and Water By Katie Cordrey | Published 2009-12-10 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/self-cleaning-solar-panels References: [treehugger](http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/12/self-cleaning-solar-panels-windows-supercapacitor-peptides-tel-aviv.php) & [aftau.org](http://www.aftau.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=11125) Tel Aviv University researchers looking for an Alzheimer’s cure got an unexpected nanotech discovery that could mean better solar and battery power. The discovery involves peptides that self-assemble in a vacuum. The end result is a nanocoating, a forest of tiny grass-like tubes that repel dust and water. Windows and solar panels made with the peptide coating would be [self-cleaning](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfcleaning-sheets). Clean solar panels are more efficient. A bonus feature of the material is its potential as a super-capacitor. If it all works out, [lithium batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/llzo-electrolytes) using the nanocoating could pack more of a punch and last longer. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 57% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Nano-coating Technology:** Nano-coating technology can disrupt various industries by providing self-cleaning surfaces and improving durability. - **Renewable Energy Innovations:** Renewable energy innovations, such as self-cleaning solar panels, have the potential to revolutionize the energy industry. - **Nanotechnology Advancements:** Advancements in nanotechnology offer disruptive opportunities for various sectors, including energy storage and surface coatings. ### Where This Applies - **Solar Energy:** The solar energy industry can benefit from self-cleaning solar panels, improving energy efficiency and reducing maintenance costs. - **Battery Technology:** The battery technology sector can explore nanocoating innovations for improved durability, energy storage capacity, and longevity. - **Clean Energy Solutions:** Clean energy solutions providers can leverage nano-coating technology to offer more sustainable and efficient products and services. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Solar Panel Cleaning Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-cleaning-system.md) - [Non-Fogging Nano-Thin Gold Layers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eth-zurich.md) - [Efficient Scalable Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovskia-solar.md) - [Lunar Material-Based Solar Cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-dust.md) - [Exceptionally Efficient Solar Cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-solar-cell.md) - [Flexible Solar Film Energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heliafilm.md) - [Self-Cleaning Glass Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/self-cleaning-glass.md) - [Heritage Building-Blending Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-solar.md) - [Squid-Inspired Smart Windows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquidfilled-panel.md)