System and method for cleaning and cooling solar panels

摘要

A system and method for cleaning and cooling solar panels are described. A solar tracker includes a main beam for supporting the solar panels, and nozzles coupled to the main beam. The main beam includes a water channel along its interior which supplies water to the nozzles. The nozzles are positioned to spray water on the collecting surfaces of the solar panels to clean and cool them. The solar tracker may also include gutters to reclaim used water. The solar tracker may include air ducts which direct air across the undersides of the solar panels to cool them.

主权项

1. An apparatus for supporting a solar panel, the apparatus comprising:
a main beam; at least one elongated member connected transversely to the main beam and supported by the main beam, the at least one elongated member being adapted to support the solar panel; the main beam defining a liquid channel for carrying a liquid along an interior of the main beam, the main beam having a liquid port for providing access to the liquid channel; a liquid supply coupled to the liquid port, the liquid supply supplying liquid to the liquid channel; and a nozzle coupled to the main beam in fluid communication with the liquid channel, the nozzle configured to spray the liquid on a collecting surface of the solar panel to clean and cool the solar panel.