Experimental investigation of a monitoring model for dust deposition on solar photovoltaic modules

Abstract

ABSTRACT Accurately evaluating dust deposition characteristics on photovoltaic modules is vital for improving power generation prediction and formulating cleaning cycles. This study analyzed the composition and size characteristics of dust collected from a solar photovoltaic power station in the Kubuqi Desert. Relationships were established among dust density, solar cell output parameters, actual radiation intensity, and spectral transmittance through experiments. Based on this, a monitoring model for dust deposition on PV modules was proposed and validated in the laboratory. Results showed that the composition and particle size of dust deposited on PV modules did not significantly differ across various areas of the station.Under the same dust deposited density, spectral transmittance exponentially decayed with increased dust density, with shorter wavelengths being more affected. Operating current loss accurately reflected dust deposition compared to other output parameters. The proposed monitoring model achieved 94% accuracy in reflecting the degree of dust deposition. This study provides theoretical support for intelligent operation schemes of solar PV power generation stations.