Performance of spherical and flat solar cells under different environmental conditions

Abstract

This study investigates the performance degradation of spherical and flat solar modules due to dust accumulation. To isolate the effect of dust, both modules were subjected to identical environmental conditions, including irradiance, temperature, and humidity. The results reveal a significant reduction in power efficiency as dust density increases, with a nearly linear relationship observed. Spherical solar modules exhibited a minor decrease in efficiency (±3.64%) compared to flat solar modules (±5.46%) under increased dust density, consistent with prior research. Dust accumulation affects solar cells by causing dust deposition, light scattering, and temperature rise. Flat solar panels are more susceptible to dust accumulation due to their larger surface area, which attracts more dust particles. In contrast, spherical cells’ smaller surface area minimizes dust build-up, making them less prone to efficiency loss. The study also examined the impact of solar intensity and tilt angle on efficiency. Spherical cells demonstrated greater resilience in varying light conditions and tilt angles, maintaining efficiency across a wider range of scenarios than flat panels. These findings emphasize the importance of considering dust accumulation when designing and maintaining solar panels, with spherical modules offering advantages in dusty environments and under changing sunlight conditions.