Anti-reflective (AR) coatings on solar panels reduce reflectance losses, allowing more sunlight to be absorbed and converted into electricity, which improves overall energy yield. This increase in solar panel performance has a direct impact on the cost-effectiveness of solar energy production.
Impact on Solar Energy Production Costs
- Reduced Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE): Research from Mohammed First University in Morocco showed that solar modules with AR coatings delivered 5.5% higher annual electricity output compared to uncoated panels. This translated into a 2.7% reduction in the levelized cost of energy (LCOE), lowering costs from 0.037€/kWh for standard panels to 0.0368€/kWh for AR-coated panels in a 40 MW power plant case study.
- Increased Energy Generation: AR coatings improve transmittance and reduce losses due to soiling and reflection. In the Moroccan study, soiling losses were 3.7% lower for AR-coated glass, and coatings maintained optical performance with only a 2.6% decrease after abrasive testing simulating 29 years of cleaning, suggesting durability and sustained financial benefits over time.
- Cost per Panel Addition and Application: The added material cost for applying AR coatings is approximately $7 per panel, with an additional application cost of about $1.50 per panel, based on commercial spray-on coatings. While this increases upfront costs slightly, the boost in efficiency and energy output can outweigh these initial expenses.
- Enhanced Efficiency Leading to Cost Savings: More advanced photonic coatings, including AR coatings, can improve panel efficiency by 4-5 percentage points, effectively increasing wattage output per panel by roughly 20%. This reduces the amount of panel area needed or increases energy yields from a fixed area, thereby decreasing installation and balance-of-system costs per watt by about 7 cents/Watt and potentially saving millions in large-scale projects.
- Durability and Maintenance Savings: The durability of AR coatings affects overall cost. Some coatings last less than 8 years and may require reapplication or replacement over a typical 25-year module warranty period, adding maintenance costs. However, durable coatings with resistance to abrasion and contamination can reduce cleaning frequency and water usage, further lowering operation costs, especially in harsh or arid climates.
Summary
| Factor | Impact on Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Increased energy output | Lowers LCOE by ~2.7% | 5.5% energy yield increase observed in field |
| Addition of coating material & application cost | Raises upfront cost by approx. $8.50/panel | Spray-on application; cost may vary by technology |
| Efficiency improvement | Reduces system size/cost by ~7 cents/Watt | Enables more power per panel, saving installation costs |
| Soiling resistance | Reduces cleaning costs and water use | Especially beneficial in dusty or desert areas |
| Durability | Affects maintenance and recoating frequency | Coatings may last 5-8 years; reapplication needed |
In essence, while AR coatings add some upfront costs, their ability to increase energy yield, reduce operational expenses such as cleaning, and improve panel longevity usually leads to a net decrease in the overall cost of solar energy production. The balance of these factors depends on coating durability, local climate, and maintenance practices.
References
- A detailed field study in Morocco showed AR coatings can reduce LCOE by about 2.7% and increase energy yield by 5.5% while offering durability and soiling resistance benefits.
- Typical costs of AR coatings are around $7 plus $1.5 application per panel, with a simple spray-on method.
- Photonic coatings including AR layers can improve panel efficiency by 4-5%, translating to substantial cost savings in large-scale solar projects.
- AR coatings vary in durability (5-8 years) and require careful cleaning practices to maintain effectiveness and minimize degradation.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-anti-reflective-coatings-impact-the-overall-cost-of-solar-energy-production/
