Field tests of a self-sintering, anti-soiling, self-cleaning, nanoporous metal oxide, transparent thin film coating for solar photovoltaic modules

Nanoporous metal oxide ceramic coatings, deposited using sol-gel techniques, have the potential to impart self-sintering and self-cleaning coatings to silicon oxide glass. When used on solar photovoltaic modules, these coatings can impart anti-static properties, improve wetting behavior, and degrade soiling deposits through photocatalytic activity. This paper reports on a field trial of a mixed silicon and titanium oxide thin film coating conducted in the upper midwestern U.S. Coated modules demonstrated increased electrical generation relative to uncoated controls. The results are encouraging for the commercialization of this coating technology, and provide a strong motivation for further research and development efforts. •Nanoporous anti-soiling coatings created by sol-gel synthesis and spray deposition.•Transparent metal oxide anti-soiling thin films self-cure upon exposure to UV light.•Anti-soiling coatings provide energy gains of approximately three percent.