A Review of Anti-Soiling Coatings for Improving the Performance of Photovoltaic Panels

Regions with abundant sunlight, such as the Middle East and North Africa, are optimal for photovoltaic power generation. However, the average power loss of photovoltaic modules due to dust accumulation is very high and may reach 1% per day, necessitating frequent cleaning, which adds to operational and maintenance costs. One solution is the creation of anti-dust coatings, where hydrophilic or hydrophobic coatings with suitable spectral characteristics for PV applications are added to the outer glass layer of PV panels. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of such coatings greatly depends on climatic conditions and geographical locations. Since the coatings add to the cost of solar panels, it is essential to first test their suitability in the intended location and/or under similar climatic conditions before large-scale deployment. This paper provides a review of various anti-dust technologies used to reduce the PV pollution problem. The goal is to deeply compare different techniques and developed materials, providing relevant input in aligning the appropriate technology based on the particle accumulation mechanism, climatic conditions, and geographical location. Although mechanical cleaning methods have been most commonly used to date, the development of anti-dust thin coatings could be a better option due to their non-abrasive nature, wide deployability, cost-effectiveness, and durability. This review aims to serve as a reference in this field, thereby paving the way for the implementation of efficient anti-dust coatings.