Photocatalytic Hydrophilic Coatings for Self-Cleaning Solar Panels

A self-cleaning solar module for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) that combines a hydrophilic coating with embedded solar cells. The module features a rear glass layer, a sealing layer with embedded solar cells, a color layer on the upper surface of the sealing layer, and a front glass layer on top. A thin film of nano silicon compound with an alkali metal is applied to the color layer, followed by a scattering layer that enhances light transmission while preventing water absorption. The self-cleaning coating layer is applied to the scattering layer, creating a water-repellent surface. The solar cells are embedded between the rear and front glass layers. This innovative design enables the module to generate power while minimizing weight and material complexity, while its hydrophilic coating ensures efficient water management.

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A multifunctional self-cleaning nanocoating for solar cells and window surfaces that combines anti-reflective, hydrophobic, and electrostatic properties. The coating features a hydrophobic top layer that repels water and dust, a photocatalytic layer that protects against organic pollutants, and a nanoscale structure that enhances light transmission and reflection control. The coating achieves self-cleaning through a surface modification process that creates a hydrophobic surface through nano-roughness, while maintaining mechanical stability through micro-roughness. This multifunctional coating enables optimized performance across multiple functional requirements without compromising the coating's overall performance.

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A coating material for photovoltaic solar panels that combines anti-reflective and self-cleaning properties through a novel nanocomposite system. The coating comprises a matrix of polylactic acid (PLA) with titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles as base components. This nanocomposite system enables the coating material to exhibit both hydrophobic and photocatalytic properties, while maintaining compatibility with glass substrates. The coating achieves its self-cleaning effect through the hydrophobic interaction between the coating material and water droplets, while preventing direct sunlight reflection. This innovative coating material enables enhanced solar energy conversion while maintaining environmental sustainability.

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A self-cleaning solar panel with enhanced durability and performance through a novel surface coating that combines superhydrophobicity with photocatalytic properties. The coating comprises micron-sized glass microspheres containing titanium, which provide both hydrophobic and photocatalytic functions. The coating is applied to the solar panel surface and undergoes heat treatment and curing to achieve the desired properties. The titanium-containing glass microspheres replace the conventional superhydrophobic coating, while maintaining the photocatalytic activity that enables self-cleaning. The coating's performance is evaluated through standardized tests, including dust and oil resistance, stain resistance, and color change measurements.

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Photovoltaic glass with self-cleaning properties through a nanostructured coating. The glass contains a laminated structure featuring a low-iron glass front panel and a back glass layer, with a nano-scale self-cleaning coating applied to the side of the front glass. This coating enables water to be efficiently discharged from the glass surface through micro-nano pores, reducing water accumulation and preventing self-cleaning degradation. The coating is integrated with a current extraction component to facilitate efficient energy generation from the photovoltaic cells.

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Solar glass anti-reflective coating with self-cleaning functionality that combines high light transmission with enhanced cleaning performance. The coating comprises a self-cleaning high-reflection solar glass that incorporates a novel nanostructured surface with integrated photocatalytic properties. The coating's surface features nanostructured titanium dioxide particles that can be activated by light to facilitate self-cleaning through photocatalytic reactions. This dual-function coating achieves superior cleaning efficiency while maintaining high light transmission, making it particularly suitable for applications with heavy industrial pollution.

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A method and material for preventing mold growth on solar cell modules through a non-reflective, water-based coating. The coating, comprising an acrylic silicone emulsion and fluororesin emulsion, is applied to the glass surface of the solar cell module. The emulsion contains a broad-spectrum antifungal agent and a moisturizing polymer that prevents moisture accumulation. The coating achieves a visible light transmission of 90% or more, ensuring optimal solar energy conversion while preventing mold growth.

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A self-cleaning solar panel system that prevents dust accumulation through advanced surface treatment. The system comprises a substrate with a self-cleaning surface treatment that prevents dust accumulation while maintaining photovoltaic efficiency. The treatment is integrated into the panel's manufacturing process, ensuring consistent performance across panels.

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A method for preparing fluorine-containing self-cleaning coatings on field solar panels through a novel surface treatment process. The method involves applying a fluorine-containing polymer emulsion to the solar panel surface, followed by immediate stratification of the emulsion into a water layer and a polyethyl silicate layer. This dual-layer structure enables the formation of a fluorine-containing self-cleaning coating at lower temperatures compared to conventional methods, which typically require higher curing temperatures. The coating is then cured under controlled heating or light conditions to achieve the desired properties.

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A self-cleaning solar panel that eliminates the formation of water spots on photovoltaic surfaces during rainstorms, while maintaining efficient energy conversion. The solution employs a novel transparent coating that prevents water droplets from penetrating the surface, thereby eliminating the typical water spots that form on conventional photovoltaic surfaces. This coating technology enables the solar panel to maintain its electrical performance even during rain conditions, while maintaining its optical transparency.

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A photovoltaic module with self-cleaning functionality that minimizes power loss while maintaining cleaning effectiveness. The module employs a super-hydrophilic coating on the light-receiving surface, which enables rainwater to effectively wash away contaminants. The coating is strategically applied to the short side of the module, allowing rainwater to collect at the module's edge while preventing contamination from spreading to the rest of the surface. This localized coating approach ensures efficient cleaning while maintaining the module's high-efficiency photovoltaic performance.

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A solar photovoltaic panel with self-cleaning functionality that enables continuous energy production through advanced surface treatment. The panel incorporates a self-cleaning coating that prevents dust accumulation while maintaining optimal panel efficiency. This coating is achieved through a proprietary combination of nanotechnology and surface modification techniques that enhance the panel's durability and cleaning performance. The coating enables continuous energy production through natural environmental processes, eliminating the need for manual cleaning and reducing maintenance costs. The coating also enhances the panel's structural integrity and durability, while the surface treatment ensures optimal energy conversion.

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A method for enhancing the efficiency of photovoltaic panels by preventing contamination through a novel surface treatment. The process involves a series of water-based cleaning steps followed by a specialized coating application. The initial cleaning step uses gentle water washing to remove surface contaminants, while subsequent rinsing and cleaning steps ensure thorough removal of remaining contaminants. This is followed by the application of a specialized coating solution that incorporates a platinum colloid to enhance light scattering and improve surface durability. The coating solution is formulated with a combination of alkoxysilane, fluorine alcohol, and platinum colloid, and is formulated in a specific ratio to optimize antifouling properties. The resulting coating film prevents contamination and promotes efficient light transmission, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the photovoltaic system.

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Solar panel with nanoscale self-cleaning coating that enhances photovoltaic efficiency through reduced reflection and improved surface protection. The coating features a nanoscale layer applied to the front glass surface of the solar panel, where it forms a protective barrier against environmental factors like dust, moisture, and pollutants. This nanoscale layer also enables self-cleaning properties through its unique surface characteristics, allowing water and debris to be absorbed and reorganized rather than accumulating on the surface. The nanoscale coating prevents light reflection while maintaining optimal solar energy conversion, reducing maintenance requirements and environmental impact compared to traditional cleaning methods.

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A surface coating that reduces fouling of transparent or reflective surfaces like photovoltaic modules, solar thermal mirrors, and architectural glass through a nanoporous layer that simultaneously enhances hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity. The coating, comprising a hydrophobic surface and hydrophilic interior, prevents dust and dirt adhesion through capillary forces while maintaining optical transparency. This dual-hydrophobic-hydrophilic coating enables effective fouling reduction even in extreme desert environments, particularly in photovoltaic applications where water is scarce.

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A self-cleaning photovoltaic glass coating that combines antireflection and photocatalytic properties through a novel dual-layer architecture. The coating comprises a glass substrate with an antireflection layer on one side and a self-cleaning layer on the other. The antireflection layer enhances light transmission while the self-cleaning layer enables self-cleaning through photocatalytic degradation of airborne contaminants, eliminating dust and pollutants. This integrated approach enables the creation of ultra-efficient photovoltaic glass for solar energy applications.

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Removable and re-appliable coatings for photovoltaic modules that enable efficient cleaning and maintenance while maintaining structural integrity. The coatings comprise a hydrophilic addition copolymer, water-miscible organic coalescing agent, and optional polyvalent metal compound, along with rheology modifier and wax. The pH range of the coating is maintained between 7.0 and 9.6, allowing effective removal by conventional cleaning agents without compromising film integrity. This enables the coating to be reapplied to the module while preserving its performance characteristics.

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Self-cleaning photovoltaic solar tiles with enhanced efficiency and durability. The tiles feature a photovoltaic layer integrated with a thin-film coating that incorporates a self-cleaning mechanism. The coating incorporates a nanostructured surface that naturally repels water and debris, eliminating the need for additional protective components. This self-cleaning surface enables the solar tiles to maintain optimal performance and efficiency over extended periods, while also reducing maintenance requirements. The integrated photovoltaic layer enables efficient energy conversion, making the solar tiles a practical solution for building rooftops.

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A method and device for preparing self-cleaning photovoltaic glass films that enhance light transmission through a controlled deposition process. The method employs a precision spray gun system with adjustable angle control, integrated exhaust system, and magnetic retention system to deliver ultra-thin films onto photovoltaic glass surfaces. The system enables precise control over deposition parameters while maintaining optimal energy harvesting efficiency.

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A solar metal plate that prevents dust accumulation on the upper surface of a solar panel while maintaining corrosion resistance. The plate features a high-temperature ceramic coating that forms a durable, self-cleaning surface on the aluminum panel, preventing dust and debris from accumulating while protecting against corrosive environments. This innovative coating system enables long-term performance of solar panels, particularly in applications where exposure to dust and corrosive environments is common.

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