This article reviews the principles and evaluates the performance of advanced selective absorber coatings in a prototype flat-plate solar water heating system. Selective coatings are crucial for maximizing solar energy conversion by achieving high solar absorptance and low thermal emittance. The study explores various coating materials and deposition techniques, with a focus on electrodeposited black nickel coatings. The preparation methods, characterization of coating morphology and optical properties (α and ϵ), and testing of a prototype solar water heater equipped with these coatings are described. Results demonstrate that the nanostructured selective black nickel coatings exhibit high solar absorptance (∼0.90) and low thermal emittance (∼0.15), leading to significantly improved thermal performance and higher collector efficiency compared to non-selective black paint. The study also discusses the durability of the coatings and highlights the potential of alternative materials and techniques like CVD and sol-gel methods for future advancements. The findings confirm the effectiveness of advanced selective coatings in enhancing solar water heater performance and emphasize the need for continued research to improve durability and explore new materials for broader applications in solar thermal technology.

Selective absorber coatings, solar thermal energy, solar water heating system

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