Artificial linear brush abrasion of coatings for photovoltaic module first-surfaces

Natural soiling and the subsequent requisite cleaning of photovoltaic (PV) modules result in abrasion damage to cover glass. The durability front glass has important economic consequences, including determining use anti-reflective and/or anti-soiling coatings as well method frequency operational maintenance (cleaning). Artificial linear brush using Nylon 6/12 bristles was therefore examined explore representative PV first-surfaces, i.e., surface a module incident direct solar radiation. Specimens include silane functionalized-, roughened (etched)-, porous silica-coated-, fluoropolymer-coated-, ceramic (TiO2 or ZrO2/SiO2/ZrO2/SiO2)-coated-glass, which are compared monolithic-poly(methyl methacrylate) -glass coupons. Characterization methods used this study include: optical microscopy, ultraviolet–visible–near-infrared (UV-VIS-NIR) spectroscopy, sessile drop goniometry, white-light interferometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM), depth-profiling X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). corresponding characteristics morphology, transmittance (i.e., performance), energy (water contact angle), roughness, scratch width depth, chemical composition, respectively. here performed determine coating failure modes; identify characterization that can detect nascent failures; compare popular contemporary materials; their characteristics; slurry dry-dust abrasion. This will also aid developing an standard for industry.