Anti-reflective and anti-soiling properties of a KleanBoost™, a superhydrophobic nano-textured coating for solar glass

Abstract

Soiling of solar cover glass can result in a significant loss of electrical output of PV panels. Dust and other contaminants adhere strongly to the glass by known mechanisms. In contrast, anti-soiling coatings, and the mechanisms by which they function, are not well-characterized. In this paper, we examine the properties of KleanBoostTM a thin anti-reflective and anti-soiling fluoropolymer coating for glass. In particular, we examine the effect of dew and baking cycles on dust accumulation and optical transparency. A dust “herding” process was observed as the condensed water droplets reduce in diameter as they evaporate on the hydrophobic surface. Anti-soiling and cleaning mechanisms were evaluated as a function of hydrophobicity of the glass nanocoating, and the KleanBoostTM surfaces were characterized and compared to their anti-soiling and cleaning properties.