Evaluating the distribution of soil particle size on glass samples by a new generation of optical microscopy for solar PV applications

Article Energy & Fuels

Microstructural analysis of the PV module cementation process at the Solar Platform of the Atacama Desert

Douglas Olivares et al.

Summary: This study analyzes the soiling processes on photovoltaic modules and glasses in the Atacama Desert, finding that gypsum plays a key role in the cementation process. The atmospheric parameters were characterized and the dust samples were separated according to solubility differences. The large daily oscillations in these parameters trigger the encapsulation of insoluble material by gypsum crystallization.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2021)

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Article Energy & Fuels

Experimental investigation of the anti-soiling performances of different wettability of transparent coatings: Superhydrophilic, hydrophilic, hydrophobic and superhydrophobic coatings

Zu-Sheng Huang et al.

Summary: This study investigated the effects of surface roughness and surface energy on reducing dust adhesion on PV panels by preparing coatings with different wettability. It was found that the high surface energy of superhydrophilic coatings played a significant role in resisting dust adhesion, while further reducing surface energy on other coatings had limited impact on improving dust-proof ability. Additionally, large airflow velocity was beneficial for resisting dust adhesion for all types of coatings, but had limited effect on improving the anti-soiling effect of superhydrophilic coating under different tilt angles compared to other three coatings.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2021)

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Article Thermodynamics