Multifunctional Durable Superhydrophobic Nanocomposite Coatings for Enhanced Solar Panel Performance: Integrating Nanomaterials for Self-cleaning, Thermal Management, and Energy Efficiency

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Abstract
To address the environmental degradation of solar panels, we developed a durable, multifunctional nanocomposite coating. The coating integrates TiO₂, ZnO, and SiO₂ nanoparticles into a silicone resin, which is applied using a scalable spray-deposition technique to achieve self-cleaning, UV protection, and thermal management. Key performance metrics were significantly improved: the coating created a superhydrophobic surface (Water Contact Angle > 145°), provided strong UV absorption (> 0.87 a.u.) while retaining high visible light transmittance (> 95 %), and increased thermal emissivity from 71 % to 84.9 %. In field tests, coated panels consistently outperformed uncoated panels, delivering up to 59 % higher power output and reducing surface temperatures by up to 8.6 %. The novelty lies in the strategic integration of three complementary nanoparticles to provide comprehensive environmental protection in a single, robust layer. This work demonstrates a practical, scalable solution to improve the efficiency and long-term durability of solar panels in real-world applications.