Automatic film covering of photovoltaic panels

Which method is used for self-cleaning of photovoltaic glass cover?

Because of its compatibility with glass, such methods are particularly conducive to the formation of transparent and super-hydrophobic films on the glass surface (Yan et al. 2011). Therefore, the sol–gel method is often used for self-cleaning of photovoltaic glass cover.

What is photovoltaic (PV) technology?

Solar energy is the most-abundant renewable energy-resource and among the various solar techniques, photovoltaic (PV) technology has emerged as a promising and cost-effective approach .

Can self-cleaning coatings be used in solar PV panels?

A conscious effort has been made to touch upon all the aspects of self-cleaning coatings on glass material, widely being used in CSP mirrors and solar PV panels which, hopefully, will help the readers to get an overview of this emerging field of applications. 2. Effect of soiling in solar PV panels and CSP systems

Why do photovoltaic panels need a transparent coating?

When sunlight shines on the photovoltaic panel, part of the visible light will be reflected, and the rest will be converted and utilized. Therefore, the transparency and anti-reflection of the self-cleaning coatings applied on photovoltaic modules cannot be ignored.

Do coated PV panels improve photocatalytic performance?

The coated PV panels gained an average of 5–6% over the observed time while exposed to outdoor conditions. Demonstrated superhydrophilicity and excellent photocatalytic activities. Maximum optical transmittance of over 90% was achieved. Showed excellent optical transmission, robustness and superhydrophilicity.

Can anti-reflecting coatings improve solar photovoltaic performance?

The optical transparency of self-cleaning or anti-soiling coating is of paramount importance in the case of solar photovoltaic panels and related solar devices. Therefore, enhancing their performance by additional cost-effective anti-reflecting coatings, is a plausible solution. A state-of-the-art of this effort is being attempted in this review.