Reduction of Soiling on Photovoltaic Modules by a Tracker System with Downward-Facing Standby State

Yasuyuki Ota,Akira Nagaoka,Kensuke Nishioka

doi:10.1155/2019/1296065

Abstract

The radiation received by solar cells within photovoltaic modules is lower than that arriving at the module surface. One of the causes of this energy loss is soiling of the module surface. Therefore, the influence of dust adhesion on photovoltaic modules must be studied. In this study, we prepared two tracker systems: a new system and a typical system. During the night, the former can switch to a downward-facing standby state, while the latter assumes an upward-facing standby state. The soiling on the polymethylmethacrylate and glass set on the tracker systems with both standby states was evaluated for 20 months in Miyazaki, Japan. By adopting the tracker system with the downward-facing standby state, a direct transmittance that was more-than-5% higher than before was consistently obtained at 500 nm in both cases with polymethylmethacrylate and glass.

Highlights

As the density of solar energy is low, photovoltaic (PV) systems must be installed on a large scale to generate sufficient amounts of energy
It is found that by adopting the downward tracker system, we can achieve a more-than-5% higher photocurrent after the full exposure period
The soiling on the PMMA and glass set on the tracker systems with upward and downward-facing standby states was evaluated for 20 months in Miyazaki, Japan

Summary

Introduction

As the density of solar energy is low, photovoltaic (PV) systems must be installed on a large scale to generate sufficient amounts of energy. The Gobi Desert, which is located at high altitudes, receives large amounts of solar radiation (4.59 kWh/m2/day) [1,2,3]. While installing PV systems in deserts, we must consider the effect of the collision and adhesion of sand on PV modules. When sand remains on the module surface, it can become firmly fixed by moisture such as dew, interrupting the transmittance of light. This type of surface adhesion on PV modules must be prevented

Methods

Results

Conclusion