JA Solar has launched the DesertBlue, a PV module engineered for desert and semi-arid regions. The design can withstand dust, heat and high winds while delivering up to 650W of power with 24% efficiency.

Deserted environments are unique stressors for PV modules, including fine dust that reduces transmission, abrasive sand that erodes coating, strong winds that strain structural integrity and extreme heat that degrades performance over time.

DesertBlue’s nano-scale self-cleaning coating features dense microstructures and antistatic properties that reduce dust adhesion to allow natural wind to assist in surface cleaning.

“By directly addressing the unique challenges of desert deployment, we enable customers worldwide to unlock the full potential of renewable energy in regions considered too hostile for large-scale solar PV projects,” JA Solar executive president Yang Aiqing says.

Key features include anti-dust nanocoating with 32% less transmittance loss to extend module life up to five years, up to 14% less power in abrasive conditions, ability to withstand 6,000Pa front/4,000Pa rear loads and the ability to operate up to 5° cooler while producing 0.6% more power at 85°.