Enhancement of Solar Panel Efficiency Using Anti-Reflective Coatings

This study investigates the impact of nanostructured, single-layer Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) anti-reflective (AR) coatings on solar panel efficiency under real-world conditions, including varying weather, dust, and shading. A comparative analysis was conducted between coated and uncoated solar panels with varying AR coating thicknesses (40 nm, 80 nm, 120 nm, and 160 nm) to evaluate energy yield and temperature stability. The experimental setup monitored voltage, current, and temperature data at 30-minute intervals using a real-time monitoring system, with subsequent analysis in MATLAB. Results revealed that a 120 nm coating thickness provided the optimal balance, achieving up to a 21.18% improvement in energy yield compared to uncoated panels while maintaining superior temperature stability. Statistical significance was confirmed using paired tests, demonstrating the effectiveness of AR coatings in enhancing energy efficiency. These findings support the feasibility of AR coatings in photovoltaic applications, highlighting their potential to reduce energy costs and promote environmental sustainability.