Impact of Dust Accumulation on Solar Panel Performance with Hydrophobic Surface Coatings
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Abstract
This study aims to investigate the performance of solar panels under dust accumulation by comparing three configurations: uncoated panels, panels coated with a single layer of copper oxide, and panels coated with a double layer. The coating material was synthesized using lauric acid (C12H24O2), copper (II) hydroxide (Cu(OH)2), and 95% v/v ethanol (C2H5OH), resulting in a hydrophobic surface coating. Based on five experimental trials, the average efficiencies of the uncoated, single-layer coated, and double-layer coated panels were 12.9%, 13.1%, and 13.6%, respectively. After depositing 5 g of dust on each panel, the average efficiencies decreased to 12.5%, 12.6%, and 12.9%, respectively. After cleaning by rinsing each panel with one liter of tap water, the average efficiencies recovered to 13.8%, 13.9%, and 14%, respectively. Regarding the soiling loss, the double-layer-coated panel exhibited the lowest value at 3%, whereas the uncoated panel experienced the highest soiling loss at 6.6%. An economic feasibility analysis was conducted for a 1 MW solar power system with a 25-year operational lifetime. The results indicated that double-layer-coated panels with re-coating every two years were the most cost-effective option. This configuration required an initial investment of 6,967 THB/m² and yielded a net present value (NPV) of 7,261 THB/m² and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 14.6%, with a payback period of 7 years and 6 months.
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