Nanosilica based superhydrophobic coating for high efficient self cleaning solar panels

Abstract

Solar Photovoltaics are the most interesting solution of renewable energy. But because of dust accumulation and subsequent light reflection decreases the efficiency of solar panel. Nanosilica based superhydrophobic coatings can increase efficiency of solar panel by decreasing reflection and increasing cleaning efficiency. Surface roughness and chemical composition are combined to produce superhydrophobic, antireflective and protective surface. Hydrophobic, antireflective coated surfaces are widely used in many industrial applications such as wind shields of automobile, aircrafts, optical lens, solar cells, roofing, agricultural instruments, paints, etc. Four coating solutions have been prepared by varying compositions of Hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) and polymethylmethacylate (PMMA) prepared by using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) nanosilica sol. These solutions are coated on glass slides by spin coating methods and etched at high temperature. All the coatings were studied for its different properties like water repellence, anti-dust, transparency and contact angle measurements. Stability of coating was also studied with respect to temperature, external environment and <em>p</em>H. The results of the different coatings were observed and compared with each other. All the coatings show worthy results, out of which HT21 is finest in all aspects.