The effect of particulate matter on solar photovoltaic power generation over the Republic of Korea

Abstract

Degradation in air quality could be a potential factor for decreasing solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation. However, our understandings of the potential of airborne particulate matter (PM) to reduce actual solar PV power generation remain unclear. This study quantifies attenuation impacts of airborne PM on solar PV power generation on cloudless days at Yeongam and Eunpyeong-gu power plants installed in the Republic of Korea. The reduction rate of solar PV power generation according to the substantial amount of PM is calculated by constructing multiple regression models based on actual solar PV power generation record, observed meteorological parameters, and measured PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations for 2015–2017. At both power plants, PM2.5 and PM10 commonly reduce solar PV power generation by more than 10% of the maximum capacity under the conditions of ‘normal’ air quality, 35 μg m−3 and 80 μg m−3 for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. Moreover, the reduction rate of solar PV power generation exceeds 20% of the maximum capacity under ‘bad’ air quality, 75 μg m−3 and 150 μg m−3 for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. Results show that the negative impacts of PM on solar PV power generation should be considered in the process of policymaking on target solar power generation in Korea, as well as in countries with high PM emissions.