IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v13y2020i15p3811-d389502.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Degradation of Hydrophobic, Anti-Soiling Coatings for Solar Module Cover Glass

Author

Listed:
  • Fabiana Lisco

    (Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST), Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK)

  • Farwah Bukhari

    (Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST), Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK)

  • Soňa Uličná

    (Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST), Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK)

  • Kenan Isbilir

    (Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST), Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK)

  • Kurt L. Barth

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

  • Alan Taylor

    (TWI, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6AL, UK)

  • John M. Walls

    (Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST), Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK)

Abstract

Soiling of solar module cover glass is a serious problem for solar asset managers. It causes a reduction in power output due to attenuation of the incident light, and reduces the return on investment. Regular cleaning is required to mitigate the effect but this is a costly procedure. The application of transparent hydrophobic, anti-soiling coatings to the cover glass is a promising solution. These coatings have low surface energy and contaminants do not adhere well. Even if soiling does remain on the coated surface, it is much more easily removed during cleaning. The performance of the coatings is determined using the water contact angle and roll-off angle measurements. However, although hydrophobic coatings hold out great promise, outdoor testing revealed degradation that occurs surprisingly quickly. In this study, we report on results using laboratory-based damp heat and UV exposure environmental tests. We used SEM surface imaging and XPS surface chemical analysis to study the mechanisms that lead to coating degradation. Loss of surface fluorine from the coatings was observed and this appeared to be a major issue. Loss of nanoparticles was also observed. Blistering of surfaces also occurs, leading to loss of coating material. This was probably due to the movement of retained solvents and was caused by insufficient curing. This mechanism is avoidable if care is taken for providing and carrying out carefully specified curing conditions. All these symptoms correlate well with observations taken from parallel outdoor testing. Identification of the mechanisms involved will inform the development of more durable anti-soiling, hydrophobic coatings for solar application.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:15:p:3811-:d:389502
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/13/15/3811/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/13/15/3811/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    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. Maghami, Mohammad Reza & Hizam, Hashim & Gomes, Chandima & Radzi, Mohd Amran & Rezadad, Mohammad Ismael & Hajighorbani, Shahrooz, 2016. "Power loss due to soiling on solar panel: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 1307-1316.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    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. Antonia Sônia A. C. Diniz & Tulio P. Duarte & Suellen A. C. Costa & Daniel Sena Braga & Vinicius Camatta Santana & Lawrence L. Kazmerski, 2022. "Soiling Spectral and Module Temperature Effects: Comparisons of Competing Operating Parameters for Four Commercial PV Module Technologies," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-18, July.
    3. Gianfranco Di Lorenzo & Erika Stracqualursi & Leonardo Micheli & Salvatore Celozzi & Rodolfo Araneo, 2022. "Prognostic Methods for Photovoltaic Systems’ Underperformance and Degradation: Status, Perspectives, and Challenges," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-6, September.
    4. Hamid Iftikhar & Eduardo Sarquis & P. J. Costa Branco, 2021. "Why Can Simple Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Practices in Large-Scale Grid-Connected PV Power Plants Play a Key Role in Improving Its Energy Output?," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-29, June.
    5. 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.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    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. 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).
    3. Hanifi, Hamed & Pander, Matthias & Zeller, Ulli & Ilse, Klemens & Dassler, David & Mirza, Mark & Bahattab, Mohammed A. & Jaeckel, Bengt & Hagendorf, Christian & Ebert, Matthias & Gottschalg, Ralph & S, 2020. "Loss analysis and optimization of PV module components and design to achieve higher energy yield and longer service life in desert regions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 280(C).
    4. Simone Pedrazzi & Giulio Allesina & Alberto Muscio, 2018. "Are Nano-Composite Coatings the Key for Photovoltaic Panel Self-Maintenance: An Experimental Evaluation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-13, December.
    5. Adak, Deepanjana & Bhattacharyya, Raghunath & Barshilia, Harish C., 2022. "A state-of-the-art review on the multifunctional self-cleaning nanostructured coatings for PV panels, CSP mirrors and related solar devices," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    6. Isaacs, Stewart & Kalashnikova, Olga & Garay, Michael J. & van Donkelaar, Aaron & Hammer, Melanie S. & Lee, Huikyo & Wood, Danielle, 2023. "Dust soiling effects on decentralized solar in West Africa," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 340(C).
    7. Chanchangi, Yusuf N. & Ghosh, Aritra & Sundaram, Senthilarasu & Mallick, Tapas K., 2020. "Dust and PV Performance in Nigeria: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    8. 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.
    9. Song, Zhe & Liu, Jia & Yang, Hongxing, 2021. "Air pollution and soiling implications for solar photovoltaic power generation: A comprehensive review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 298(C).
    10. Rahman, Md Momtazur & Khan, Imran & Alameh, Kamal, 2021. "Potential measurement techniques for photovoltaic module failure diagnosis: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    11. Heinrich, Matthias & Meunier, Simon & Samé, Allou & Quéval, Loïc & Darga, Arouna & Oukhellou, Latifa & Multon, Bernard, 2020. "Detection of cleaning interventions on photovoltaic modules with machine learning," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 263(C).
    12. Amr Zeedan & Abdulaziz Barakeh & Khaled Al-Fakhroo & Farid Touati & Antonio S. P. Gonzales, 2021. "Quantification of PV Power and Economic Losses Due to Soiling in Qatar," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-15, March.
    13. 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.
    14. Rafi Zahedi & Parisa Ranjbaran & Gevork B. Gharehpetian & Fazel Mohammadi & Roya Ahmadiahangar, 2021. "Cleaning of Floating Photovoltaic Systems: A Critical Review on Approaches from Technical and Economic Perspectives," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-25, April.
    15. Deb, Dipankar & Brahmbhatt, Nisarg L., 2018. "Review of yield increase of solar panels through soiling prevention, and a proposed water-free automated cleaning solution," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 3306-3313.
    16. Micheli, Leonardo & Fernandez, Eduardo F. & Aguilera, Jorge T. & Almonacid, Florencia, 2020. "Economics of seasonal photovoltaic soiling and cleaning optimization scenarios," MPRA Paper 104104, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    17. Abdulsalam S. Alghamdi & AbuBakr S. Bahaj & Luke S. Blunden & Yue Wu, 2019. "Dust Removal from Solar PV Modules by Automated Cleaning Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-21, July.
    18. Lucia Cattani & Paolo Cattani & Anna Magrini, 2021. "Photovoltaic Cleaning Optimization: A Simplified Theoretical Approach for Air to Water Generator (AWG) System Employment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-17, July.
    19. You, Siming & Lim, Yu Jie & Dai, Yanjun & Wang, Chi-Hwa, 2018. "On the temporal modelling of solar photovoltaic soiling: Energy and economic impacts in seven cities," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 228(C), pages 1136-1146.
    20. Truong-Ba, Huy & Cholette, Michael E. & Picotti, Giovanni & Steinberg, Theodore A. & Manzolini, Giampaolo, 2020. "Sectorial reflectance-based cleaning policy of heliostats for Solar Tower power plants," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 176-189.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:15:p:3811-:d:389502. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.