A First in Turkey: 70% Cost Advantage in Electric Field Self-Cleaning Glass with a Domestic Chemical Formulation

A First in Turkey: 70% Cost Advantage in Electric Field Self-Cleaning Glass with a Domestic Chemical Formulation

Commentary by Ataman Korkmaz – Chemist / Chemical Process Specialist

Solar panels, building facades, autonomous vehicle sensors, greenhouse roofs… They all share a common problem: dust, pollen, bird droppings and organic contaminants. These deposits reduce surface efficiency and demand significant time, labor and cost to clean. For solar farms, annual energy losses from dust buildup can reach as high as 10%.

In recent years, the electric‑field self‑cleaning glass technology published by Zhejiang University in Advanced Science has been a major breakthrough. However, the foreign‑sourced chemicals used in that technology keep product costs high and block domestic production.

That is where chemical process specialist Ataman Korkmaz stepped in – with an original domestic chemical formulation 

🔬 A Cost Revolution with Local Chemical Blends

Korkmaz’s developed electric‑field transparent coating system retains the same working principle while using completely locally sourced chemical components. Compared to widely used imported transparent conductive oxide (TCO) chemicals, the new formulation achieves approximately 70% cost savings.

Korkmaz comments:

“Most chemicals used in existing technologies are licensed and imported. I have developed a chemical recipe that delivers the same electrical and optical performance but uses raw materials available right here in Turkey. This radically lowers manufacturing costs.”

⚡ How Does It Work?

In the developed system, a low‑energy alternating electric field is applied to transparent electrodes embedded in the glass surface. This field:

Removes dust and dirt particles within seconds – they jump off the surface.

Requires no water, chemical cleaners or mechanical action.

When active, repels charged airborne particles – new dust accumulation is reduced by up to 90% (a “particle shielding” effect).

🧪 Technical Achievement & Patent Status

Ataman Korkmaz has achieved over 88% light transmittance and adequate surface conductivity in laboratory‑scale tests of his chemical formulation.

A national patent application has been filed with TURKPATENT.

Collaborations with TÜBİTAK and Sabancı University are under way to scale the project for industrial production.

Discussions with local glass manufacturers (e.g., Şişecam) are ongoing to bring the technology into mass production.

🎯 What Will This Technology Deliver?

This development directly benefits several sectors:

Solar Power Plants (GES): Recovers 4‑6% of annual energy yield in dry, dusty climates.

Building Facades & Greenhouses: Lowers operating costs and increases efficiency.

Autonomous Vehicle Cameras & Sensors: Maintains performance and safety.

🌍 Local Production, Global Competitiveness

Korkmaz emphasizes that this technology offers a domestic, lower‑cost alternative to imported anti‑dust panels (such as Jinko, Longi). Moreover, because the system does not require complex or expensive equipment, it can be easily integrated into existing glass production lines.

Korkmaz remains open to R&D partnerships and investor discussions as the technology moves toward commercialisation.