Photocatalytic Hydrophilic Coatings for Self-Cleaning Solar Panels
48 patents in this list
Updated:
Solar panel efficiency drops by 15-35% annually due to dust and environmental contamination accumulation, with particularly severe losses in arid regions where cleaning water is scarce. Field measurements show that a 1g/m² dust deposit can reduce power output by 6.5-7%, while organic pollutants create long-term degradation of panel surfaces.
The challenge lies in developing coating technologies that can simultaneously repel contaminants, break down organic materials, and maintain high optical transmission—all while surviving decades of outdoor exposure.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including nanostructured TiO2 photocatalytic layers, hydrophobic-hydrophilic combination surfaces, and integrated water management systems with micro-channel networks. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation in real-world conditions where panels must maintain performance despite exposure to dust, organic pollutants, and varying weather conditions.
1. Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Module with Hydrophilic Coating and Embedded Solar Cells
DAE IL SPECIAL GLASS CO LTD, 2024
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.
2. Nanocoating with Hydrophobic, Photocatalytic, and Light-Enhancing Layers for Solar Cells and Windows
KAUNAS UNIV OF TECHNOLOGY, 2023
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.
3. Nanocomposite Coating for Photovoltaic Panels with Polylactic Acid Matrix and Titanium Dioxide-Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles
MARMARA UNIV STRATEJI GELISTIRME DAIRE BASKANLIGI MUHASEBE BIRIMI, 2023
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.
4. Photovoltaic Panel Coating with Integrated Water Channels and Water-Repellent Surface Treatment
Anhui Zhongke KuanZhi Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., 2023
A water-conducting and waterproof coating for photovoltaic panels that prevents water accumulation and rainwater evaporation issues. The coating integrates a transparent glass cover with a network of water channels that circulate water between them. This design ensures consistent water flow while maintaining transparency, eliminating the need for additional water management systems. The coating also features a water-repellent surface treatment that prevents rainwater from penetrating the panel. The system is particularly effective in preventing dust accumulation and rainwater-related damage.
5. Solar Panel Coating with Micron-Sized Glass Microspheres for Combined Superhydrophobic and Photocatalytic Properties
Tianyi Technology Co., Ltd., 2022
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.
6. Transparent Flexible Composite Front Plate with Frosted and Self-Cleaning Layers for Solar Cells
ZHEJIANG HETE PHOTOELECTRIC CO LTD, Zhejiang Hete Optoelectronics Co., Ltd., 2022
A highly transparent flexible composite front plate for solar cells that maintains high light transmission over time. The composite front plate has a transparent base layer made of either a thin fluororesin film or tempered glass. A frosted layer on the top reduces overall reflectance. The frosted layer facing away from the base has a self-cleaning layer to prevent pollution buildup. A water vapor barrier layer is on the bottom. The composite structure provides high initial transmittance and resists pollution degradation compared to traditional BOPET films.
7. Silicon-Acrylate and Graphene Oxide Coating for Solar Panel Backplane Integration
NANTONG QS OPTOELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2021
Coating for solar panels that enhances power conversion efficiency through optimized light reflection. The coating is applied between the solar panel backplane and EVA adhesive layer, incorporating a combination of silicon-acrylate resins and graphene oxide. This integrated design enables maximum utilization of solar radiation while minimizing reflectivity and refractive index variations across the panel surface. The coating achieves improved power generation efficiency through enhanced light reflection and increased light reflection efficiency, while maintaining durability and self-cleaning properties.
8. Laminated Photovoltaic Glass with Nanostructured Self-Cleaning Coating and Integrated Current Extraction Component
GUANGZHOU SYSMYK NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Chen Yu, CHEN YU, 2021
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.
9. Transparent Conductive Composite Film with Positively Charged Polymer Coating for Dust Repulsion on Photovoltaic Glass Surfaces
HANGZHOU ME2 NEW MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2021
Transparent conductive composite film for reducing dust accumulation on the glass surface of photovoltaic panels. The film is prepared by coating a positively charged polymer onto the glass. The positively charged film repels dust particles, preventing them from sticking to the surface. Cleaning involves removing the dust from the film rather than the glass itself. The composite film also allows light transmission and electrical conductivity. Maintaining a positive potential on the film during use further reduces dust adhesion.
10. Nanostructured Titanium Dioxide Coating on Solar Glass with Integrated Photocatalytic and Anti-Reflective Properties
DONGGUAN CSG SOLAR GLASS CO LTD, Dongguan CSG Solar Glass Co., Ltd., 2021
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.
11. Non-Reflective Coating for Solar Cell Modules with Antifungal and Moisture-Control Properties
FINE TECH CO LTD, 2021
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.
12. Solar Panel with Integrated Self-Cleaning Surface Treatment for Dust Prevention
Zhou Wen, WEN ZHOU, 2021
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.
13. Method for Forming Fluorine-Containing Dual-Layer Coatings on Solar Panels via Emulsion Stratification
SHANGHAI NAT ENGINEERING RES CENTER NANOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2020
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.
14. Solar Panel with Transparent Coating for Water Spot Prevention
Yancheng Institute of Technology, YANCHENG INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, 2020
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.
15. Photovoltaic Module with Super-Hydrophilic Edge Coating for Localized Self-Cleaning
GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES INC OF ZHUHAI, Zhuhai Gree Electric Appliances Co., Ltd., 2020
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.
16. Solar Photovoltaic Panel with Nanotechnology-Enhanced Self-Cleaning Coating
LIAONING TERA NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Liaoning Tianrui New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., 2020
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.
17. Method for Photovoltaic Panel Surface Treatment Using Sequential Water-Based Cleaning and Platinum Colloid-Enhanced Coating
BK ENERGY CO LTD, 2020
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.
18. Coating Formulation with Core-Shell Nanoparticles and Inorganic Oxide Particles for Anti-Fouling Properties
DSM IP ASSETS BV, 2020
Coating formulation for anti-fouling properties, particularly in solar modules, that combines inorganic oxide particles with a specific pore structure to prevent fouling. The formulation comprises core-shell nanoparticles as a pore former, with the core containing an organic compound and the shell containing an inorganic oxide. The formulation has an aspect ratio of at least 2 for the oxide particles and a smaller diameter range of 3-20 nm, with aluminum-containing compounds ranging from 0.5-15 wt-%. The formulation is applied to a substrate, dried, and converted into a coated substrate with enhanced anti-fouling properties compared to conventional coatings.
19. Multi-Layer Copper Indium Gallium Selenide Solar Thin-Film Module with Transparent Silicon Dioxide Coating
TAIZHOU JINNENG NEW ENERGY CO LTD, Taizhou Jinneng New Energy Co., Ltd., 2019
A self-cleaning copper indium gallium selenide solar thin-film battery module that achieves high light transmittance through a novel coating technique. The coating employs a multi-layer process where a thin layer of copper indium gallium selenide is deposited on top of a substrate, followed by a layer of transparent silicon dioxide. This multi-layer structure enables selective absorption of specific wavelengths of solar radiation while minimizing reflection. The transparent silicon dioxide layer acts as an additional cleaning mechanism during solar exposure, effectively removing dust and debris from the surface.
20. Solar Panel with Nanoscale Self-Cleaning Anti-Reflective Coating
SHENZHEN YISHANG NANO TECH CO LTD, 2019
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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