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The influence of proton irradiation (energy, 18 MeV; beam current, 300 nA) with doses of 5 × 1014, 1015, and 5 × 1015 cm–2 on samples of SiO2–BaO-based glass coatings is investigated. The absorption, photoluminescence, and gamma luminescence spectra of the studied samples and their microhardness are measured. It is found that proton irradiation leads to a twofold increase in the microhardness. An insignificant increase in the optical absorption is revealed in the near-ultraviolet range (200–400 nm). This increase is accompanied by a decrease in the intensity of both light scattering in the wavelength range 400–900 nm and photoluminescence. The intensity of broadband gamma luminescence with a maximum at a wavelength of 500 nm increases with increasing proton irradiation dose. This means that excitonic radiative recombination impedes the formation of structural defects and their associated color centers. The combined effect of proton irradiation and solar electromagnetic radiation (gamma and visible light rays) accompanied by temperature changes in the range 80–470 K can provide an increase in the radiation resistance and mechanical stability of glass coatings used for solar-cell panels and their longer service life even under conditions of increased solar activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]