In the case of solar panels, dust particles create a big impact on power generation. Whether it is a rooftop solar panel or a large solar power plant, dust particles can block sunlight, reducing the system’s energy production capacity and increasing maintenance needs. The anti-dust coatings on solar panels are the most effective way to solve all the above problems. It is a thin and invisible layer applied to the surface of the solar panel that prevents dust from building up on the surface and keeps it clean for longer periods. Read the full article to learn how dust-proof solar panels with anti-dust coating keep energy output high.
Why Dust Is a Problem for Solar Panels?
Solar panel captures the sunlight that falls on them and convert it into electricity. A dust layer present on the surface of the solar panel blocks the sunlight from reaching the solar cells. This degrades the efficiency of the solar panel and decreases the amount of energy produced. Even a thin layer of dust can also lower the power output by 5% to 15%.
Dust problems are most common in desert regions, polluted urban areas, industrial areas, and agricultural areas with dry soil. When the dust gets mixed with moisture, it forms a sticky layer that is very difficult to clean. If not cleaned for a month, the solar panel can lose of its efficiency by 30%.
What Is Anti-Dust Coating?
The anti-dust coating is a thin protective layer applied to the surface of the solar panel to prevent dust particles from sticking to it. This specially engineered coating keeps the surface cleaner for a long period and maintains the high efficiency of the solar panel.
There are mainly two types of coating:
1. Hydrophobic coating: It repels water and helps wash away loose dust.
2. Photocatalytic coating: It uses sunlight to break down organic particles and makes the cleaning process easier.
How Anti-Dust Coating Works?
The anti-dust coating is applied using 3 methods.
1. Spray Application: A liquid solution is sprayed and air-dried on the panel surface.
2. Wipe-on Coating: A microfiber cloth is used to spread and bond the coating to the surface.
3. Factory Coating: During the manufacturing process, the solar panels are coated with anti-dust layers.
Hydrophobicity, which means the surface repels water, is one of the most important features of anti-dust coating. The hydrophobic effect is a self-cleaning process in which the water beads up and rolls off the panel. Thus, the water takes away all the dirt and loose dust particles with it and avoids forming a film on the surface.
Sometimes, small electric charges on the surface of a solar panel attract the dust particles and make them stick to it. With anti-dust coatings, the surface charge reduces and prevents dust particles from sticking to the surface.
Anti-dust coating made from titanium dioxide offers photocatalytic properties. When sunlight falls on the surface, TiO₂ reacts with moisture in the air to create a weak oxidizing agent. This chemical reaction breaks down organic matter like bird droppings, pollen, or pollution and helps sticky residues to be easily washed away.
Anti-dust coating fills in the gaps created due to surface irregularities and makes a super smooth layer at the microscopic level. It leaves no contact area for the dust to stick.
Reference: How to reduce costs with proper solar farm dust control
Advantages of Anti-Dust Coating on Solar Panels
1. Improves Efficiency:
Anti-dust coating helps the solar panel remain clean for a long time. It allows more sunlight to pass through the glass. A clean solar panel surface enhances energy efficiency and helps generate power consistently throughout the year.
2. Less Frequent Cleaning:
An anti-dust coating reduces the rate of dust buildup on the surface of a solar panel. With this advanced technology, you don’t have to clean the surface more frequently.
3. Lower Operational Cost:
To clean a large solar panel, you need manpower and plenty of water. With anti-dust coating, you don’t have to pay any extra money to clean the solar panel. It saves both money and water.
4. Reduces any Permanent Damage Related to Dust:
If the dust sticks to the surface for a longer time, it creates hotspots. These areas overheat and stress the solar panels, which can lead to permanent damage. With anti-dust coating, dust does not stick to the surface and reduces the risk of permanent damage to the panel.
5. Improves Return on Investment
An anti-dust coating improves the efficiency of the solar panel and maintains steady energy production. This increases your return on investment.
6. Environmentally Safe
The anti-dust coatings are made from non-toxic materials such as nano-silica or titanium dioxide, which are safe for the environment.
7. Supports Automated Maintenance
The smoother surface formed by anti-dust coating makes it easier for robotic brushes or wipers to remove dust.
Reference: How to Reduce the Effect of Dust on Solar Panel Efficiency
Why Should You Choose Dust-Proof Solar Panels?
1. Anti-dust coatings on the solar panel surface prevent dust build-up and keep the surface clean, allowing it to absorb sunlight consistently. This maximizes energy production throughout the year.
2. With anti-dust coatings on the solar panel surface, you don’t have to clean the surface more frequently. This reduces maintenance and cleaning costs.
3. Anti-dust coatings avoid surface scratches, thermal stress, and moisture retention on the solar panel surface and offer long-term durability.
4. If you are living in places with harsh environments, such as urban polluted areas, deserts, agricultural areas with dry soil, and industrial areas, then dust-proof solar panels offer reliable performance.
5. Anti-dust coated solar panels improve aesthetics and property values.
Conclusion
Anti-dust coating is an advanced technology that combines science and surface engineering. It implements several mechanisms, like water-repelling, anti-static, and self-cleaning, to keep the surface clean for a long period. It maintains the peak performance of the system with less manual effort. Whether you are installing a rooftop solar panel or operating a large solar farm, this anti-dust-coated solar panel helps maximize energy production, lower maintenance costs, and ensure your system operates at its best.
FAQS
- What Is Anti-Dust Coating?
The anti-dust coating is a thin protective layer applied to the surface of the solar panel to prevent dust particles from sticking to it.
2. What are the types of anti-dust coating?
There are mainly two types of anti-dust coating.
1. A hydrophobic coating that repels water and helps wash away loose dust.
2. Photocatalytic coating, which uses sunlight to break down organic particles and makes the cleaning process easier.
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