Comprehensive Analysis of Effect of Accumulation of Dust on a Solar Panel

Abstract

In the pursuit of a cleaner and sustainable environment, solar photovoltaic (PV) power has been established as the fastest growing alternative energy source in the world. This extremely fast growth is brought about, mainly, by government policies and support mechanisms world-wide. Solar PV technology that was once limited to specialized applications and considered very expensive is becoming more efficient and affordable. Solar PV promises to be a major contributor of the future global energy mix due to its minimal running costs, zero emissions and steadily declining module and inverter costs. Deposition of airborne dust on outdoor photovoltaic (PV) modules may decrease the transmittance of solar cell glazing and cause a significant degradation of solar conversion efficiency of PV modules. Dust deposition is closely related to the tilt angle of solar collector, exposure period, site climate conditions, wind movement and dust properties. In this practical field study, an experimental-based investigation is conducted. Thus, we conducted a study to gauge the effect of dust on the solar panel over a pre-determined period.