Self-cleaning films for solar panel surfaces are mainly categorized into hydrophobic and hydrophilic films. The self-cleaning principle of hydrophobic self-cleaning film is as follows: (1) hydrophobicity means dust
This study presents a novel approach to fabricate self-cleaning, superhydrophobic coatings on glass surfaces and photovoltaic cells. Using a cost-effective spray-coating technique, superhydrophobic glass
However, little is known about the self-cleaning mechanisms and laws of solar PV glass hydrophobic or hydrophilic surfaces. Thus, there is no theoretical basis for the application and optimization of self-cleaning technologies with hydrophobic or hydrophilic surfaces.
After UV irradiation, all samples presented superhydrophilic behaviour (angle < 5°), except uncoated glass, showing how coating applications were efficient to give superhydrophilic property to the glass. Superhydrophilic surface is promising for photovoltaic module due to its self-cleaning effect.
Hence, hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces have many developmental advantages and great potential for use on PV glass in terms of self-cleaning effects and environmental adaptability.
So far, while the TiO 2 –SiO 2 system is likely the most popular material among researchers, there is limited research on evaluating the self-cleaning efficacy and improving the durability of the superhydrophilic coatings, particularly in terms of long-term outdoor self-cleaning performance for solar panel applications.
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.
For photovoltaic application, besides the self-cleaning properties, the coating should present adequate adhesion and transparency in the wavelength region 300–1800 nm.
