Durable highly hydrophobic coating for solar panel with benefits of self-cleaning, thermal insulation and increased energy harvesting

Abstract

The urgent transition to solar energy is hindered by efficiency losses in photovoltaic (PV) panels due to dust accumulation and overheating. Conventional mitigation strategies, including fluorinated hydrophobic coatings, face challenges of environmental persistence, poor durability, and limited scalability. This study presents a fluorine-free, industrially scalable coating that synergistically enhances dust repellency, mechanical resilience, and thermal regulation for PV panels. The coating integrates UV-curable silicone-modified acrylate resin with surface-modified SiO₂ and ZnO nanoparticles, achieving a hierarchical microstructure that delivers high hydrophobicity (WCA > 140°) alongside strong infrared reflectivity. The coating reduces panel temperatures by up to 10 °C under solar irradiation while demonstrating exceptional mechanical durability and chemical stability under UV/thermal exposure and acidic/alkaline conditions. Controlled environmental tests revealed that the coated PV panels exhibit up to a 45% increase in power output compared to uncoated panels under simulated dusty conditions, resulting in significantly retained performance under soiling stress. By eliminating fluorinated compounds and utilizing scalable spin-coating processes combined with a high-speed UV-curing system, this work addresses critical gaps in eco-compatibility and industrial integration. The dual-functionality design—simultaneously mitigating fouling and thermal stress—offers a transformative pathway to enhance the efficiency and longevity of solar farms in harsh climates, aligning with global decarbonization goals.

Graphical abstract

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