Review on self-cleaning coating on photovoltaic (PV) panel

Environmental degradation variables like dust deposition, ultraviolet (UV) exposure, and rainfall have a substantial impact on the performance and long-term dependability of photovoltaic (PV) modules. One of the most important of these is soiling brought on by dust buildup, which lowers light transmission and overall energy conversion efficiency. As a result, self-cleaning coatings have become a viable way to lessen these impacts and improve photovoltaic (PV) performance. The degradation mechanisms influencing photovoltaic (PV) panels, such as dust deposition, ultraviolet (UV)-induced deterioration, rainfall impact, micro-cracking, delamination, and corrosion, are thoroughly examined in this paper. With an emphasis on hydrophobic and hydrophilic coatings, the study also investigates the evolution of self-cleaning coatings. While hydrophilic coatings encourage water spreading to form a thin layer that enables uniform surface cleaning, hydrophobic coatings function through water droplet production and rolling, allowing particle removal via the lotus effect. The cleaning procedures, benefits, and drawbacks of both coating types in various environmental settings are compared and evaluated. This review also addresses these coatings’ scalability, economic viability, and industrial applicability, all of which continue to be major obstacles to their widespread use. There are still several research gaps despite tremendous advancements, especially when it comes to long-term durability, environmental stability, and performance consistency under actual working settings. Future studies should thus concentrate on creating multipurpose coatings that are more resilient, economical, and climate-adaptable. All things considered, this research offers important insights into how self-cleaning coatings enhance photovoltaic (PV) module efficiency and provides direction for next developments in sustainable solar energy technology.