4.6 Review

The performance and durability of Anti-reflection coatings for solar module cover glass-a review

Related references

Note: Only part of the references are listed.
Article Energy & Fuels

PV module vibration by robotic cleaning

Benjamin Figgis et al.

SOLAR ENERGY (2023)

Article Energy & Fuels

Comparative durability study of commercial inner-pore antireflection coatings and alternative dense coatings

Yiyu Zeng et al.

Summary: Nowadays, antireflection coatings (ARCs) are commonly used on commercial photovoltaic (PV) modules to enhance durability and resist harsh environments. This study characterized the optical properties, abrasion resistance, and outdoor reliability of different ARCs used in commercial solar glass. Dense ARCs were found to have better durability and longer lifespan compared to inner-pore and open-pore ARCs, although their optical benefits were reduced. Double-layer dense ARCs were also investigated to improve durability while maintaining reasonable optical enhancement.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2023)

Article Energy & Fuels

Understanding mechanisms of snow removal from photovoltaic modules

Abdel Hakim Abou Yassine et al.

Summary: The study over two years revealed that snow removal from PV modules occurs under four main mechanisms: melting, shedding, prolonged melting, and melting followed by shedding. During melting, the average liquid water content (LWC) and surface temperature gradually increase, while shedding results in a sharp increase in LWC and temperature. Prolonged melting shows a slow increase in LWC during the day with nighttime freezing, and melting followed by shedding indicates gradual snow melting followed by a rapid shedding process.

SOLAR ENERGY (2022)

Article Energy & Fuels

Abrasion testing of anti-reflective coatings under various conditions

Katja Lange et al.

Summary: This study investigates the resistance of different anti-reflective coatings (ARCs) and a reference glass against dry brushing abrasion using a linear abrasion cycle tester. The results show that the number of brushing cycles and the type of dust significantly affect the transmittance loss, while brush speed and weight have less influence.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2022)

Article Energy & Fuels

Solar cell efficiency tables (Version 60)

Martin A. Green et al.

Summary: This article presents consolidated tables showing the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules. The guidelines for including results in these tables are outlined, and new entries since January 2022 are reviewed. An appendix describing temporary electrical contacting methods and terminology for large-area solar cells is also included.

PROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS (2022)

Article Energy & Fuels

Photovoltaic module antireflection coating degradation survey using color microscopy and spectral reflectance

Todd Karin et al.

Summary: Commercial antireflective coatings improve photovoltaic module power, but long-term performance varies. Coating loss is caused by chemical thinning and leads to accelerated performance degradation. Untreated arrays accelerate coating degradation.

PROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS (2022)

Article Energy & Fuels

Optical and mechanical properties of Zr-oxide doped TiO2/SiO2 anti-reflective coatings for PV glass covers

Dario F. Zambrano-Mera et al.

Summary: Multi-layer TiO2/SiO2 coatings doped with Zr-oxides were investigated to enhance their crystalline structure and density/compactness, and to form Si-Zr-O bonds. The doping of Zr-oxides improved the optical and mechanical properties of the coatings, with the sample annealed at 400 C and doped with 1 at.-% Zr showing the best anti-reflective behavior and mechanical performance.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2022)

Article Energy & Fuels

A Hydrophobic Antireflective and Antidust Coating With $\text{SiO}_2$ and $\text{TiO}_2$ Nanoparticles Using a New 3-D Printing Method for Photovoltaic Panels

Nazmi Ekren et al.

Summary: An article introduces a new method for applying an anti-reflection, self-cleaning coating on a photovoltaic panel. Using a 3D printer and electrospinning, the study resulted in 5 PV panels with the best performance. The experimental results show that the coating can significantly improve the efficiency of the photovoltaic panels.

IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS (2022)

Review Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

Sustainable PV Module Design-Review of State-of-the-Art Encapsulation Methods

Anna Katharina Schnatmann et al.

Summary: In the era of climate change and resource scarcity, the importance of sustainable renewable energy technologies is increasing. However, the photovoltaic industry faces issues such as linear economy structures, energy-intensive production, and limited sustainability. This paper provides an overview of the current state of encapsulation methods in the PV industry, including production, materials, and recycling. It also discusses alternative encapsulation technologies and emphasizes the need for research to focus on sustainability and recyclability.

SUSTAINABILITY (2022)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Characterization of closed-surface antireflective TiO2-SiO2 films for application in solar-panel glass

Huu Trung Tran et al.

Summary: This paper reports the characteristics of closed-surface antireflective TiO2-SiO2 nanocomposite (CS-AR) films. The films were designed with a two-layer structure and fabricated through a printing method combined with an annealing process. The transmittance of the glass was significantly enhanced after coating the CS-AR film on the surface, and the films also showed a high hydrophilic antifog property.

MATERIALS LETTERS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Ultralow Index SiO2 Antireflection Coatings Produced via Magnetron Sputtering

Christian J. Ruud et al.

Summary: This study introduces a sputtering-based sacrificial porogen process to fabricate multilayer nanoporous SiO2 coatings with tunable refractive index. The results demonstrate outstanding performance in antireflection coatings.

NANO LETTERS (2022)

Article Energy & Fuels

Experimental optical and structural properties of ZnS, MgF2, Ta2O5, Al2O3 and TiO2 deposited by electron beam evaporation for optimum anti-reflective coating designs

Brian Li et al.

Summary: This study investigates the optical and physical properties of common dielectric materials used in solar cells as anti-reflective coatings, such as MgF2, ZnS, Ta2O5, Al2O3 and TiO2, and their relationship with deposition parameters and thicknesses. The results show that the optical properties of these materials are influenced by layer thickness, and different materials exhibit different contamination issues.

SOLAR ENERGY (2022)

Article Energy & Fuels

Random subwavelength structures on glass to improve photovoltaic module performance

Cristina L. Pinto et al.

Summary: Glass samples were processed using a single-step self-masking RIE process to create random subwavelength structures (SWSs), which mimic natural anti-reflective and anti-soiling patterns. These SWSs on glass exhibit excellent broadband omnidirectional anti-reflective (AR) properties and enhance the surface roughness, improving wettability and anti-soiling performance. The performance improvement of photovoltaic devices using these structured glasses as front cover was evaluated.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2022)

Article Energy & Fuels

Multilayer Antireflection Coatings for Cover Glass on Silicon Solar Modules

Adam M. Law et al.

Summary: This study presents the design of a broadband multilayer antireflection (MAR) coating for solar modules, which outperforms commercial coatings in terms of reflection losses reduction and conversion efficiency improvement. The MAR coating is environmentally robust and abrasion resistant, and the fabrication process is efficient.

IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS (2022)

Article Energy & Fuels

Artificial linear brush abrasion of coatings for photovoltaic module first-surfaces

Jimmy M. Newkirk et al.

Summary: This study investigates the durability of different types of glass through artificial brush abrasion experiments, assessing the wear characteristics of various coatings and materials. By comparing the chemical composition and physical characteristics of different materials using a variety of characterization methods, the study aims to provide a basis for developing abrasion standards for the PV industry.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2021)

Article Energy & Fuels

Nondestructive Characterization of Antireflective Coatings on PV Modules

Todd Karin et al.

Summary: The article demonstrates a technique for accurately measuring the spectral reflectance of ARCs using commercially available equipment, and develops an interferometric model to estimate coating properties.

IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS (2021)

Review Energy & Fuels

Air pollution and soiling implications for solar photovoltaic power generation: A comprehensive review

Zhe Song et al.

Summary: Solar photovoltaic (PV) is a promising and highly cost-competitive technology for sustainable power supply, with continuous global growth. However, air pollution and soiling of PV modules prevail worldwide, potentially reducing solar PV power generation significantly. Soiling losses contribute to most of the total power reduction in most regions except in highly polluted areas.

APPLIED ENERGY (2021)

Article Energy & Fuels

PV coating abrasion by cleaning machines in desert environments-measurement techniques and test conditions

Benjamin Figgis et al.

Summary: This paper reviews research on PV ARC cleaning abrasion, focusing on differences in experimental techniques between the lab and field. It suggests that lab tests should be verified outdoors with non-accelerated cleaning schedules and that reflectivity is well suited to measuring ARC abrasion in order to improve testing accuracy.

SOLAR ENERGY (2021)

Proceedings Paper Energy & Fuels

BACKFLIP: Identification of Materials and Changes Upon Aging of Emerging Fluoropolymer-Free and Industry-Benchmark PV Backsheets

Sona Ulicna et al.

Summary: This study compares traditional PET-based backsheets with novel, co-extruded, and recyclable PO-based backsheets after undergoing accelerated aging tests. Results suggest that the PO materials may have advantages in resisting environmental degradation.

2021 IEEE 48TH PHOTOVOLTAIC SPECIALISTS CONFERENCE (PVSC) (2021)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Optical approaches for passive thermal management in c-Si photovoltaic modules

Ian M. Slauch et al.

Summary: The study found that the annual power-weighted average operating temperature can be most readily reduced through sub-band-gap reflection from the module glass, achieving a temperature reduction of 3.3 K for AI-BSF modules and 2.9 K for PERC modules. Sub-band-gap reflection at the cell interface offers up to 2.2 K (1.8 K) temperature reduction for Al-BSF (PERC) modules, increased cell rear reflection offers up to 1.2 K temperature reduction, and directional scattering offers up to 1.5 K reduction.

CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE (2021)

Article Energy & Fuels

Fluoropolymer coatings for solar cover glass: Anti-soiling mechanisms in the presence of dew

Illya Nayshevsky et al.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2020)

Review Energy & Fuels

A review of anti-reflection and self-cleaning coatings on photovoltaic panels

Ali Samet Sarkin et al.

SOLAR ENERGY (2020)

Article Energy & Fuels

Identification of Stressors Leading to Degradation of Antisoiling Coating in Warm and Humid Climate Zones

Sonali Bhaduri et al.

IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS (2020)

Review Energy & Fuels

Anti-Reflective Coating Materials: A Holistic Review from PV Perspective

Natarajan Shanmugam et al.

ENERGIES (2020)

Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

Resilience of industrial PV module glass coatings to cleaning processes

Muhammad Zahid Khan et al.

JOURNAL OF RENEWABLE AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY (2020)

Article Energy & Fuels

Towards improved cover glasses for photovoltaic devices

Benjamin L. Allsopp et al.

PROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS (2020)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Optical properties of amorphous Ta2O5 thin films deposited by RF magnetron sputtering

Xinyi Chen et al.

OPTICAL MATERIALS (2019)

Review Energy & Fuels

Recent developments in multifunctional coatings for solar panel applications: A review

Mohammad Sayem Mozumder et al.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2019)

Article Materials Science, Coatings & Films

The performance and durability of single-layer sol-gel anti-reflection coatings applied to solar module cover glass

Gerald Womack et al.

SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY (2019)

Proceedings Paper Energy & Fuels

An Infra-red Reflecting Optical Coating for Solar Cover Glass

Adam M. Law et al.

2019 IEEE 46TH PHOTOVOLTAIC SPECIALISTS CONFERENCE (PVSC) (2019)

Article Energy & Fuels

Soiling and cleaning: Initial observations from 5-year photovoltaic glass coating durability study

Sarah Toth et al.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2018)

Article Energy & Fuels

Polycrystalline CdSeTe/CdTe Absorber Cells With 28 mA/cm2 Short-Circuit Current

Amit H. Munshi et al.

IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS (2018)

Proceedings Paper Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Design and deposition of single and multilayer antireflection coatings of glass substrate using electron beam deposition

Nancy Sharma et al.

MATERIALS TODAY-PROCEEDINGS (2018)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Mechanical and optical properties of SiO2 thin films deposited on glass

Lukas Simurka et al.

CHEMICAL PAPERS (2018)

Article Materials Science, Coatings & Films

Performance and durability of broadband antireflection coatings for thin film CdTe solar cells

Gerald Womack et al.

JOURNAL OF VACUUM SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY A (2017)

Article Energy & Fuels

Super-durable closed-surface antireflection thin film by silica nanocomposites

Z. Q. Guo et al.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2017)

Proceedings Paper Energy & Fuels

Preparation of SiO2 anti-reflection coatings by sol-gel method

Wei Zhang et al.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SNEC 11TH INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER GENERATION CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION (2017)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Design of multi-layer anti-reflection coating for terrestrial solar panel glass

B. Geetha Priyadarshini et al.

BULLETIN OF MATERIALS SCIENCE (2016)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

In situ study of photo- and thermo-induced color centers in photochromic rutile TiO2 in the temperature range 90-720 K

V. N. Kuznetsov et al.

PHOTOCHEMICAL & PHOTOBIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (2016)

Review Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

Power loss due to soiling on solar panel: A review

Mohammad Reza Maghami et al.

RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS (2016)

Article Energy & Fuels

Structure and basic properties of photovoltaic module backsheet films

Klaus J. Geretschlaeger et al.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2016)

Article Energy & Fuels

Physics of the temperature coefficients of solar cells

O. Dupre et al.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2015)

Article Materials Science, Ceramics

Optical properties of amorphous Al2O3 thin films prepared by a sol-gel process

Baofu Hu et al.

CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL (2014)

Article Physics, Applied

Antireflection coatings with SiOx-TiO2 multilayer structures

Jong-Hong Lu et al.

JAPANESE JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS (2014)

Review Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Transparent electrodes for organic optoelectronic devices: a review

Weiran Cao et al.

JOURNAL OF PHOTONICS FOR ENERGY (2014)

Article Energy & Fuels

Multilayer Broadband Antireflective Coatings for More Efficient Thin Film CdTe Solar Cells

P. M. Kaminski et al.

IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS (2014)

Review Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

A comprehensive review of the impact of dust on the use of solar energy: History, investigations, results, literature, and mitigation approaches

Travis Sarver et al.

RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS (2013)

Article Energy & Fuels

Effect of soiling on photovoltaic modules

Reinhart Appels et al.

SOLAR ENERGY (2013)

Article Energy & Fuels

Sol-gel preparation of SiO2/TiO2/SiO2-TiO2 broadband antireflective coating for solar cell cover glass

Longqiang Ye et al.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2013)

Article Energy & Fuels

Porous SiO2 anti-reflective coatings on large-area substrates by electrospinning and their application to solar modules

Hemant Kumar Raut et al.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2013)

Proceedings Paper Energy & Fuels

Optimised Antireflection Coatings using Silicon Nitride on Textured Silicon Surfaces based on Measurements and Multidimensional Modelling

Shubham Duttagupta et al.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MATERIALS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES 2011, SYMPOSIUM O (2012)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Anti-reflective coatings: A critical, in-depth review

Hemant Kumar Raut et al.

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (2011)

Review Chemistry, Physical

Hydrophilic and superhydrophilic surfaces and materials

Jaroslaw Drelich et al.

SOFT MATTER (2011)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Sol-gel-deposited ZnO thin films: A review

Lamia Znaidi

MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING B-ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL SOLID-STATE MATERIALS (2010)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Layer-by-layer fabrication of broad-band superhydrophobic antireflection coatings in near-infrared region

Lianbin Zhang et al.

JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE (2008)