A Hybrid Hydrophobic-Hydrophilic Coating with Combined Anti-Reflective and Anti-Soiling Properties

DuraMAT 1.0 Project

Module Materials Solutions

Recipient City University of New York (PI: Lyons, Alan)

Subs NREL ARL Designs, LLC

Status Awarded

Abstract Reflections from the outer glass surface of PV panels results in losses of over 4%; losses from soiling are greater and may reach up to 50% of the energy produced. We propose to develop a novel and low cost hybrid hydrophobic-hydrophilic coating that combines excellent anti-reflective and anti-soiling properties with abrasion resistance based on our patent pending lamentation-peeling technology. The coating reduces reflections by >75% because of the low index of refraction and the morphology of the coating. Anti-soiling properties are achieved using a combination of two mechanisms: enhanced nucleation of dew droplets on hydrophilic regions and "herding" of dust particles into isolated agglomerates during evaporation. The durability, reliability and the anti-soiling efficacy of the coating will be studied in both outdoor field tests and laboratory soiling studies.