Researchers from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Tianjin University, and Hebei University of Technology have developed a transparent hydrogel coating designed to reduce solar panel hotspot temperatures by up to 16°C, improving efficiency and lowering the risk of long-term damage and fire hazards. Solar panel hotspots occur when certain cells overheat due to shading, dust buildup, or manufacturing defects, leading to reduced power output and accelerated material degradation.
The innovative cooling solution uses a water-absorbing hydrogel integrated with cotton threads to distribute moisture evenly across the panel surface. A thin Teflon-like protective layer enhances durability while maintaining transparency, ensuring that sunlight penetration and overall solar energy generation are not compromised. By stabilizing panel temperatures, the coating can reportedly recover around 50% of power losses associated with hotspot formation.
Although the hydrogel layer increases solar panel system costs by approximately 10.7%, researchers estimate that the additional expense can be recovered within 3 to 4.5 years in regions with strong sunlight and high electricity prices. This makes the technology particularly attractive for solar farms and rooftop photovoltaic systems in hot climates where overheating significantly impacts performance.
The research team is now preparing for large-scale field testing and commercial deployment, aiming to provide a cost-effective solar panel cooling solution that enhances energy efficiency, extends panel lifespan, and improves overall photovoltaic system reliability.
