Laser-induced texturing: A sustainable approach to self-cleaning mechanisms in solar panel

This review paper discusses the application of laser surface texturing as a novel approach for inducing self-cleaning properties in solar panels, with a particular focus on glass surfaces. Despite the limitation in literature on this specific topic, this study integrates available information to pro...

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Main Authors: Rahool Rai, Mahadzir Ishak, Aiman Bin Mohd Halil, M.M. Quazi, Sudhakar Kumarasamy
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-02-01
Series:Cleaner Engineering and Technology
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666790824001460
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author Rahool Rai
Mahadzir Ishak
Aiman Bin Mohd Halil
M.M. Quazi
Sudhakar Kumarasamy
author_facet Rahool Rai
Mahadzir Ishak
Aiman Bin Mohd Halil
M.M. Quazi
Sudhakar Kumarasamy
author_sort Rahool Rai
collection DOAJ
description This review paper discusses the application of laser surface texturing as a novel approach for inducing self-cleaning properties in solar panels, with a particular focus on glass surfaces. Despite the limitation in literature on this specific topic, this study integrates available information to provide a comprehensive overview. Apparently, the challenges posed by sunlight reflection and dust accumulation on photovoltaic panels are addressed through the application of anti-reflective and self-cleaning coatings. But coatings consists of hazardous chemicals such as: TiO2, SiO2, ZnO, Si3N4,MgF2 and ZrO2. Therefore, the focus here shifts towards the modern use of laser technology for surface modification. The literature shows involvement of optimization of laser processing parameters, including laser power, scanning speed, repetition rate and their interdependent relation, to achieve super-hydrophobic surfaces. Therefore, emphasis on the significance of understanding the effects of laser parameters on the resulting surface characteristics, such as water contact angle, self-cleaning efficiency, and opacity of the glass is discussed. Several studies conducted for metals show the effectiveness of laser-textured surfaces in mitigating dust accumulation. The discussion also touches upon the challenges and advantages of laser-based texturing, due to cost-effectiveness, precision, and speed. Specifically addressing laser surface texturing for solar self-cleaning applications. This research gathers current information to highlight the remarkable potential of laser technology in improving the performance and longevity of solar panels by instilling self-cleaning properties.
format Article
id doaj-art-52bda1ccd33146c2a1c1ac2bcdafdac1
institution Kabale University
issn 2666-7908
language English
publishDate 2025-02-01
publisher Elsevier
record_format Article
series Cleaner Engineering and Technology
spelling doaj-art-52bda1ccd33146c2a1c1ac2bcdafdac12025-01-05T04:28:43ZengElsevierCleaner Engineering and Technology2666-79082025-02-0124100866Laser-induced texturing: A sustainable approach to self-cleaning mechanisms in solar panelRahool Rai0Mahadzir Ishak1Aiman Bin Mohd Halil2M.M. Quazi3Sudhakar Kumarasamy4Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, 26600, Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia; Centre for Research in Advanced Fluid & Processes, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan Abdullah, 26300, Gambang, Pahang, Malaysia; Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering Sciences & Technology, Hamdard University Karachi, 74600, Pakistan; Corresponding author. Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, 26600, Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia.Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, 26600, Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia; Centre for Automotive Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan Abdullah, 26600, Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia; Centre for Research in Advanced Fluid & Processes, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan Abdullah, 26300, Gambang, Pahang, Malaysia; Corresponding author. Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, 26600, Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia.Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, 26600, Pekan, Pahang, MalaysiaFaculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, 26600, Pekan, Pahang, MalaysiaFaculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, 26600, Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia; Centre for Automotive Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan Abdullah, 26600, Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia; Centre for Research in Advanced Fluid & Processes, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan Abdullah, 26300, Gambang, Pahang, MalaysiaThis review paper discusses the application of laser surface texturing as a novel approach for inducing self-cleaning properties in solar panels, with a particular focus on glass surfaces. Despite the limitation in literature on this specific topic, this study integrates available information to provide a comprehensive overview. Apparently, the challenges posed by sunlight reflection and dust accumulation on photovoltaic panels are addressed through the application of anti-reflective and self-cleaning coatings. But coatings consists of hazardous chemicals such as: TiO2, SiO2, ZnO, Si3N4,MgF2 and ZrO2. Therefore, the focus here shifts towards the modern use of laser technology for surface modification. The literature shows involvement of optimization of laser processing parameters, including laser power, scanning speed, repetition rate and their interdependent relation, to achieve super-hydrophobic surfaces. Therefore, emphasis on the significance of understanding the effects of laser parameters on the resulting surface characteristics, such as water contact angle, self-cleaning efficiency, and opacity of the glass is discussed. Several studies conducted for metals show the effectiveness of laser-textured surfaces in mitigating dust accumulation. The discussion also touches upon the challenges and advantages of laser-based texturing, due to cost-effectiveness, precision, and speed. Specifically addressing laser surface texturing for solar self-cleaning applications. This research gathers current information to highlight the remarkable potential of laser technology in improving the performance and longevity of solar panels by instilling self-cleaning properties.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666790824001460Surface modificationLaser materials processingSelf-cleaning applicationSustainable manufacturingGreen manufacturingSolar photovoltaic module
spellingShingle Rahool Rai
Mahadzir Ishak
Aiman Bin Mohd Halil
M.M. Quazi
Sudhakar Kumarasamy
Laser-induced texturing: A sustainable approach to self-cleaning mechanisms in solar panel
Cleaner Engineering and Technology
Surface modification
Laser materials processing
Self-cleaning application
Sustainable manufacturing
Green manufacturing
Solar photovoltaic module
title Laser-induced texturing: A sustainable approach to self-cleaning mechanisms in solar panel
title_full Laser-induced texturing: A sustainable approach to self-cleaning mechanisms in solar panel
title_fullStr Laser-induced texturing: A sustainable approach to self-cleaning mechanisms in solar panel
title_full_unstemmed Laser-induced texturing: A sustainable approach to self-cleaning mechanisms in solar panel
title_short Laser-induced texturing: A sustainable approach to self-cleaning mechanisms in solar panel
title_sort laser induced texturing a sustainable approach to self cleaning mechanisms in solar panel
topic Surface modification
Laser materials processing
Self-cleaning application
Sustainable manufacturing
Green manufacturing
Solar photovoltaic module
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666790824001460
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AT mahadzirishak laserinducedtexturingasustainableapproachtoselfcleaningmechanismsinsolarpanel
AT aimanbinmohdhalil laserinducedtexturingasustainableapproachtoselfcleaningmechanismsinsolarpanel
AT mmquazi laserinducedtexturingasustainableapproachtoselfcleaningmechanismsinsolarpanel
AT sudhakarkumarasamy laserinducedtexturingasustainableapproachtoselfcleaningmechanismsinsolarpanel