24 August 2010 16:16:21 BST

Solar panels are set to become up to 40% more efficient using technology originally designed by NASA for use on their Mars Rover space vehicles. The Mars Rovers are powered by solar energy but dust and grime build up can affect the effectiveness of solar panels; a problem that’s been solved by boffins at NASA. A self cleaning system detects dust build up and releases an electrical charge to keep them dust free, super shiny and efficient.

It’s thought that this same self cleaning system can be applied to solar power plants on the Earth, many of which are located in arid dusty desert locations, to massively improve their effectiveness.

Dr Malay Mazumder of Boston University who helped to develop the technology for NASA said "A dust layer of 4g per square metre decreases solar power conversion by 40%. In Arizona, dust is deposited each month at over four times that amount and deposition rates are even higher in Australia, the Middle East and India."

It’s claimed that 90% of dust is removed in just two minutes resulting in a hugely more efficient solar panel which will generate more electricity.

The solar panels are coated on their surface with electrodes of Indium tin oxide, which is transparent and electrically-sensitive. Sensors then monitor the dust on the surface and energise the panels when the dust reaches a critical level. A cascading wave of electrostatic pulses is sent through the panels which shakes off the dust and leaves them clean and more efficient.

It seems then that cleanliness is indeed next to godliness when it comes to power generation. Embrace the power of the sun with Solar Products for your garden and for maximum effects, make sure that the solar panels are kept clean!