Anti-reflective coatings (ARCs) on solar panels play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency by minimizing light reflection. However, these coatings can degrade over time due to several factors:
Main Factors Contributing to Degradation
- Abrasion During Cleaning
- The use of hard brushes during module cleaning can lead to abrasion damage, thinning the ARC coating and increasing reflectance. This results in a change in the reflectance pattern and potential discoloration.
- Water Stagnation on Glass
- Water accumulation on the solar panel surface can contaminate the pores in silica-based ARCs, particularly in areas with low tilt angles. This leads to an increase in the refractive index, reducing the anti-reflection effect and potentially causing rainbow-like discoloration at the panel’s bottom.
- Reaction with Organic Materials
- Organic materials like pollen or plant seeds can temporarily stain ARCs in areas with high pollen counts. These stains typically disappear over time with sun exposure, though they may cause minor reductions in efficiency.
- Dust and Dirt Accumulation
- The collection of dust and dirt on solar panels significantly affects the transmittance of AR coatings. This issue is compounded in regions with different types of soil, where cleaning efficiency can vary.
- Environmental Conditions
- While AR coatings show resilience to solar irradiance, temperature, and humidity, prolonged exposure to harsh outdoor conditions (like those in Miami, FL) can lead to noticeable transmittance losses.
- Moisture Degradation
- Coatings without hydrophobic properties may degrade over time due to moisture, although some coatings like Diamon-Fusion offer resistance to water and UV light, enhancing durability.
Avoiding water stagnation, using soft cleaning methods, and employing coatings that repel water and withstand UV exposure can help maximize the lifespan of ARCs and maintain solar panel efficiency.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-factors-that-contribute-to-the-degradation-of-anti-reflective-coatings-on-solar-panels/
