The global transition toward renewable energy has intensified the need for efficient photovoltaic (PV) technologies. A major challenge in PV systems is efficiency loss due to surface contamination (dust, dirt) and suboptimal light absorption. This study investigates the application of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) coatings on PV panels to enhance performance through self-cleaning and anti-reflective properties. TiO₂ coatings were deposited via the dip coating method, followed by annealing at 450 °C to promote the photocatalytic anatase phase. Experimental results demonstrated a 5–10% increase in energy conversion efficiency under standard test conditions (AM 1.5G, 1000 W/m2). The coatings exhibited super hydrophilicity (contact angle ~10°)  and reduced dust adhesion, as confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and solar simulator tests. Despite a 20% higher production cost compared to conventional glass, TiO₂-coated panels offer long-term benefits, including reduced maintenance and improved performance in polluted environments. This study provides a cost–benefit and environmental impact analysis, highlighting TiO₂ coatings as a viable solution for sustainable solar energy systems.

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Investigating the Self-Cleaning Effect of TiO2 Coatings on Solar Panel Technologies

  • Waqar Younas,
  • Asif Hussain,
  • Mohammed Sadeq,
  • Saad Ayyaz Qureshi,
  • Nazmi Sellami

摘要

The global transition toward renewable energy has intensified the need for efficient photovoltaic (PV) technologies. A major challenge in PV systems is efficiency loss due to surface contamination (dust, dirt) and suboptimal light absorption. This study investigates the application of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) coatings on PV panels to enhance performance through self-cleaning and anti-reflective properties. TiO₂ coatings were deposited via the dip coating method, followed by annealing at 450 °C to promote the photocatalytic anatase phase. Experimental results demonstrated a 5–10% increase in energy conversion efficiency under standard test conditions (AM 1.5G, 1000 W/m2). The coatings exhibited super hydrophilicity (contact angle ~10°)  and reduced dust adhesion, as confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and solar simulator tests. Despite a 20% higher production cost compared to conventional glass, TiO₂-coated panels offer long-term benefits, including reduced maintenance and improved performance in polluted environments. This study provides a cost–benefit and environmental impact analysis, highlighting TiO₂ coatings as a viable solution for sustainable solar energy systems.