Field tests of a self-sintering, anti-soiling, self-cleaning, nanoporous metal oxide, transparent thin film coating for solar photovoltaic modules

Nanoporous metal oxide ceramic coatings, deposited using sol-gel techniques, have the potential to impart selfsintering and self-cleaning coatings to silicon oxide glass. When used on solar photovoltaic modules, these coatings can impart anti-static properties, improve wetting behavior, and degrade soiling deposits through photocatalytic activity. This paper reports on a field trial of a mixed silicon and titanium oxide thin film coating conducted in the upper midwestern U.S. Coated modules demonstrated increased electrical generation relative to uncoated controls. The results are encouraging for the commercialization of this coating technology, and provide a strong motivation for further research and development efforts.

Automated summary

This paper presents the application and field trial results of nanoporous metal oxide ceramic coatings prepared using sol-gel techniques on solar photovoltaic modules. The coatings impart anti-static properties, improve wetting behavior, and degrade soiling deposits through photocatalytic activity. The results of the trial are significant for the commercialization of this coating technology and provide motivation for further research and development efforts.