Enhancing Photovoltaic Efficiency through Engine Oil Coatings: A Comparative Analysis of New, Partially Used, and Degraded Oils

The efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems is significantly influenced by surface conditions, including contamination, which impairs light absorption and reduces overall power output. This study investigates the effects of coating a PV panel with Mobil engine oil in various states and compares the results with those of a clean reference panel. The experiments utilized a 300 mm x 200 mm PV panel with a nominal power rating of 10 W, coated with 0.2 liters of oil to ensure uniform coverage. The oil samples included new oil (O1), halfway-used oil (O2), and fully degraded oil (O3). Measurements of power output, temperature, and solar irradiance were recorded hourly from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The clean panel exhibited power outputs ranging from 9.02 W to 9.56 W. Coating with O1 resulted in the most significant enhancement, with power output increasing by up to 4.29% at peak irradiance (9.97 W at 2:00 PM). The O2 coating provided moderate improvements, with a maximum increase of 1.56% (9.68 W at 2:00 PM). Conversely, the degraded oil (O3) generally reduced power output, with a maximum decrease of 1.91% (9.23 W at 5:00 PM). The findings indicates that a uniform application of fresh Mobil oil can reduce light reflection and improve light absorption, enhancing PV panel performance. However, the benefits diminish as the oil degrades, underlining the importance of oil quality for sustained performance gains.