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Testing the Durability of Anti-Soiling Coatings for Solar Cover Glass by Outdoor Exposure in Denmark

Author

Listed:
  • Gizelle C. Oehler

    (CREST, Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK)

  • Fabiana Lisco

    (CREST, Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK)

  • Farwah Bukhari

    (CREST, Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK)

  • Soňa Uličná

    (CREST, Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK)

  • Ben Strauss

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • Kurt L. Barth

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • John M. Walls

    (CREST, Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK)

Abstract

The presence of soiling on photovoltaic modules reduces light transmission through the front cover glass to the active absorber, thereby reducing efficiency and performance. Current soiling mitigation techniques are expensive and/or ineffective. However, anti-soiling coatings applied to the solar cover glass have the potential to reduce soiling for long periods of time without continuous maintenance. This paper reports the performance of two transparent hydrophobic coatings (A and B) exposed to the outdoor environment of coastal Denmark for 24 weeks. A comparison was made between the performance of coated and uncoated glass coupons, periodically cleaned coupons, and accelerated laboratory tests. Although initial results were promising, water contact angle and transmittance values were found to decline continuously for all coated and uncoated coupons. Surface blisters, film thickness reduction, changes in surface chemistry (fluorine loss), and abrasion damage following cleaning were observed. Coupons cleaned every 4 weeks showed a restoration in transmittance. Cycles of light rainfall and evaporation combined with a humid and salty environment led to cementation occurring on all coupons. The development of an abrasion-resistant, super-hydrophobic coating with a low roll-off angle and high water contact angle is more likely to provide an anti-soiling solution by reducing the build-up of cementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Gizelle C. Oehler & Fabiana Lisco & Farwah Bukhari & Soňa Uličná & Ben Strauss & Kurt L. Barth & John M. Walls, 2020. "Testing the Durability of Anti-Soiling Coatings for Solar Cover Glass by Outdoor Exposure in Denmark," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:2:p:299-:d:306172
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ilse, Klemens K. & Figgis, Benjamin W. & Naumann, Volker & Hagendorf, Christian & Bagdahn, Jörg, 2018. "Fundamentals of soiling processes on photovoltaic modules," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 239-254.
    2. Sarver, Travis & Al-Qaraghuli, Ali & Kazmerski, Lawrence L., 2013. "A comprehensive review of the impact of dust on the use of solar energy: History, investigations, results, literature, and mitigation approaches," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 22(C), pages 698-733.
    3. Piliougine, M. & Cañete, C. & Moreno, R. & Carretero, J. & Hirose, J. & Ogawa, S. & Sidrach-de-Cardona, M., 2013. "Comparative analysis of energy produced by photovoltaic modules with anti-soiling coated surface in arid climates," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 626-634.
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    Cited by:

    1. Conceição, Ricardo & González-Aguilar, José & Merrouni, Ahmed Alami & Romero, Manuel, 2022. "Soiling effect in solar energy conversion systems: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).
    2. Sharmarke Hassan & Mahmoud Dhimish, 2022. "Review of Current State-of-the-Art Research on Photovoltaic Soiling, Anti-Reflective Coating, and Solar Roads Deployment Supported by a Pilot Experiment on a PV Road," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-24, December.
    3. Cherupurakal, Nizamudeen & Mozumder, Mohammad Sayem & Mourad, Abdel- Hamid I. & Lalwani, Shubra, 2021. "Recent advances in superhydrophobic polymers for antireflective self-cleaning solar panels," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    4. Fabiana Lisco & Farwah Bukhari & Soňa Uličná & Kenan Isbilir & Kurt L. Barth & Alan Taylor & John M. Walls, 2020. "Degradation of Hydrophobic, Anti-Soiling Coatings for Solar Module Cover Glass," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-15, July.
    5. Aritra Ghosh, 2020. "Soiling Losses: A Barrier for India’s Energy Security Dependency from Photovoltaic Power," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-22, May.

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