Tests of functional coatings on glass adapted to extreme - arid and maritime - climatic conditions for solar energy systems

Extreme climatic conditions, found at arid or maritime regions, are very demanding for solar energy systems. In this paper we share experiences about the soiling of surfaces, exposed for one and two years at arid and maritime outdoor weathering test sites with different climatic conditions. The regional factors do play an important role for the adhesion of particles on the surfaces. To simulate atmospheric dust deposition and to test functional materials a special Fraunhofer ISE dusting method is applied by our in-house developed test equipment. Thereby a characterization of the soiling properties of surfaces is possible and functional properties come comparable. This characterization of the functional coatings is complemented by spectral measurements and wetting behavior. This new test is the cross link between the design of new materials and the application of PV systems exposed to extreme climates. The determination of the functionality and reliability is the major aim.