Long-term Durability Concerns with Anti-Reflective Coatings on Solar Panels
Anti-reflective coatings (ARCs) are crucial for enhancing the efficiency of solar panels by reducing reflection losses and increasing light absorption. However, several factors can impact their long-term durability:
- Abrasion and Cleaning:
- Abrasion: ARC coatings, especially those made from silica, are susceptible to abrasion damage during cleaning. Using hard brushes can thin the coating layer, leading to increased reflection and discoloration.
- Dry Cleaning: Some studies suggest that certain coatings can withstand extensive abrasion with minimal optical degradation, enabling the use of dry cleaning methods to reduce water usage and costs.
- Water and Moisture:
- Water stagnation on solar panels can cause ARC coatings to absorb moisture, leading to increased reflection and discoloration. This effect can be temporary, as high temperatures can remove adsorbed water.
- Hydrophobic coatings (like Diamon-Fusion®) can mitigate this issue by repelling water and reducing cleaning needs.
- Organic Material Interactions:
- ARC coatings can temporarily stain due to reactions with organic materials like pollen or seeds. These stains are typically minor and temporary.
- UV and Soiling Resistance:
- The durability of AR coatings can be compromised by UV exposure and soiling, especially if they are hydrophilic (water-attracting). This can lead to increased soiling and power losses.
- Incorporating hydrophobic properties into AR coatings is essential for maintaining efficiency in environments with high soiling.
- Lifetime Expectations:
- The useful life of ARC coatings is generally considered to be under 8 years, though manufacturers often provide warranties for solar panels that exceed this timeframe.
- With proper maintenance, such as using soft cleaning tools and preventing water stagnation, the life of silica-based AR coatings can be extended to about 5-7 years.
In summary, while anti-reflective coatings offer significant benefits for solar panels, their durability can be affected by environmental and maintenance factors. Ongoing research focuses on improving durability and incorporating anti-soiling properties into these coatings.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-any-long-term-durability-concerns-with-anti-reflective-coatings-on-solar-panels/
