Solar Photovoltaic Coating Workshop

Why do photovoltaic panels need a self-cleaning coating?

The self-cleaning coating has attracted extensive attention in the photovoltaic industry and the scientific community because of its unique mechanism and high adaptability. Therefore, an efficient and stable self-cleaning coating is necessary to protect the cover glass on the photovoltaic panel. There are many self-cleaning phenomena in nature.

Can anti-soiling coating for solar PV modules reduce cleaning cost?

Dutch company Rads Global Business has developed an anti-soiling coating for solar PV modules that is claimed to reduce cleaning cost by around 60%. The anti-reflective and anti-corrosive coating is also said to mitigate potential-induced degradation (PID). The coating is applied through chemical combustion vapor deposition (CCVD) process.

Which method is suitable for self-cleaning coating of photovoltaic modules?

The preparation methods suitable for self-cleaning coating of photovoltaic modules include LBL, CVD, sol–gel method, and plasma-etching technology. LBL, CVD and sol–gel technologies are all CVD-based surface treatment technologies, which have difficulty in precision control. Sol–gel method and LBL are both economical.

What factors should be considered when applying photovoltaic coatings?

When applied to photovoltaic modules, it is crucial to consider the factors such as self-cleaning, transparency, anti-reflection, anti-icing, and durability. In future research, it is significant to improve the transparency, durability, and self-cleaning properties of coatings.

What is the photovoltaic process in solar paint?

The photovoltaic process in solar paint commences with the interaction between incident photons and the embedded semiconducting materials. Semiconductors possess a bandgap energy, which is the energy difference between their valence band (where electrons are bound) and the conduction band (where electrons can move freely).

How to choose the best coating thickness for photovoltaic modules?

The coating is superhydrophobic, with a contact angle of approximately 159° and a transmittance of 85% (Fig. 12). Thus, when applied to photovoltaic modules, the best coating thickness can be obtained by controlling the number of coating layers. This method is easy to implement and cost-effective.