Comparative analysis of anti-soiling coatings for PV modules in a tropical climate
6
Issued Date
2025-11-01
Resource Type
ISSN
02540584
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105010683380
Journal Title
Materials Chemistry and Physics
Volume
345
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Materials Chemistry and Physics Vol.345 (2025)
Suggested Citation
Sakarapunthip N., Nukunudompanich M., Sittipunsakda O., Sangpongsanont Y., Chuangchote S., Chenvidhya T., Chenvidhya D. Comparative analysis of anti-soiling coatings for PV modules in a tropical climate. Materials Chemistry and Physics Vol.345 (2025). doi:10.1016/j.matchemphys.2025.131284 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/111333
Title
Comparative analysis of anti-soiling coatings for PV modules in a tropical climate
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
The accumulation of dust on photovoltaic (PV) modules significantly reduces their efficiency, making anti-soiling coatings (ASCs) an essential solution. However, comprehensive comparisons of different ASC technologies under real-world conditions remain limited. This study systematically evaluates four ASC types (surfactant, hydrophilic-photocatalyst, hydrophilic-antistatic, and hydrophobic coatings) to assess their adhesion strength, durability, anti-soiling performance, and impact on PV energy output in a tropical environment. Surface morphologies and elemental compositions of ASCs were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), while adhesion performance was examined through tape tests and contact angle measurements. The coatings were field-tested on PV modules in two distinct environments: a rooftop PV system near a mangrove area and a PV power plant near an agricultural zone, with data collected over both dry and rainy seasons. Results indicate that hydrophobic coatings exhibited the highest durability and anti-soiling efficiency, followed by hydrophilic-antistatic, hydrophilic-photocatalyst, and surfactant coatings. The hydrophobic coating also demonstrated the most significant improvement in PV energy output, making it the most effective long-term solution. Additionally, this study evaluates the environmental and economic feasibility of ASC application, highlighting the trade-offs between coating effectiveness and maintenance costs. These findings provide critical insights into selecting optimal ASC technologies for PV systems in high-soiling regions, bridging the gap between laboratory research and real-world performance.