PV Glass Research Articles

Effects of Microbiota on the Soiling Process of PV Modules in Arid Zones of the Atacama Desert

Photovoltaic technology has proven to be a reliable, economical, and clean energy source that is capable of adapting to diverse geographical conditions. However, factors such as soiling overshadow these qualities, thus leading to production losses and affecting the profitability of this technology. For these reasons, soiling is a highly studied topic, which involves considering the physicochemical characterization of the deposited material, mitigation strategies, effect predictions, and cleaning mechanisms. However, there is a relatively unexplored area related to the microbiological contribution to soiling. The surface of photovoltaic modules, along with the deposited material and local atmospheric factors, fosters favorable conditions for the colonization of microorganisms. These microorganisms influence the soiling mechanisms and optical properties of photovoltaic modules. This work presents a detailed characterization of the microbial diversity present in the soiling deposited on photovoltaic modules installed in the Atacama Desert. Two study sites were defined: Antofagasta and the Solar Platform of the Atacama Desert, which have warm and cold desert climates, respectively. Mineralogical characterization tests, heavy metal analyses, TOC, and inorganic element analyses were conducted on the deposited material. Additionally, the culturable isolates and the metagenomic DNA of the soiling samples and biofilms grown on standard PV glass were characterized using next-generation sequencing. The results show that the deposited soiling contained a microbiological component that had adapted to extreme desert conditions. The presence of the genera Arthrobacter, Kocuria, and Dietzia were identified in the culturable isolates from Antofagasta, while Arthrobacter and Dietzia were obtained from the Solar Platform of the Atacama Desert. The metagenomic DNA was mainly represented by the genera Pontibacter, Noviherbaspirillum, Massilia, Arthrobacter, Hymenobacter, and Deinococcus at Antofagasta. However, at the Solar Platform of the Atacama Desert, the analyzed samples presented DNA concentrations below 0.5 ng/µL, which made their preparation unviable. At the PSDA, the biofilms formed by the genera Peribacillus and Kocuria were identified, whereas the UA showed a greater abundance of bacteria that favored biofilm formation, including those that belonged to the genera Bacillus, Sporosarcina, Bhargavaea, Mesaobacillus, Cytobacillus, Caldakalibacillus, and Planococcus. Based on these results, we propose a soiling mechanism that considers the microbiological contribution to material cementation.

SYNTHESES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF CALCIUM-BASED GEOPOLYMER FROM SOLAR-CELL PANEL-GLASS WASTE BY HYDROTHERMAL METHOD

A calcium-based geopolymer was synthesized using a blend of recycled glass powder from solar panels (PV glass waste), limestone, and a sodium silicate solution, which underwent hydrothermal autoclaving at 180 °C for varying durations. This material is regarded as environmentally friendly and has garnered research attention worldwide. In this investigation, limestone served as the calcium source, while recycled glass from solar panels provided the SiO2 necessary for producing calcium-based geopolymer materials. Currently, solar-panel waste poses a significant environmental challenge that requires attention. The objective of this research was to develop a sustainable and high-performance calcium-based geopolymer using waste materials, specifically recycled glass from solar panels and limestone. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of hydrothermal autoclaving on the compressive strength, volume weight, porosity, and water absorption of the synthesized geopolymer, as well as to understand the microstructural transformations involved. The results revealed a remarkable 430 % increase in the compressive strength of the specimens following hydrothermal autoclaving for 24 to 96 hours compared to the unautoclaved samples. Concurrently, the volumetric weight had a substantial rise from 1.54 % to 2.31 g/cm3, with corresponding decreases in the porosity and water absorption from 38.1 % to 16.9 % and 10.26 % to 5.08 %, respectively. An X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the mineral composition and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination of the microstructure demonstrated a transformation of all samples from an amorphous gel structure to needle- or spike-shaped fibrous, and then sheet-like CSH structures. These new structures exhibited dimensions of less than 10 µm in length, less than 2 µm in width, and less than 400 nm in thickness. The resulting CSH products constitute calcium silicate hydrate minerals, characteristic of calcium silicate materials, which are synthetic products arising from chemical reactions among SiO2, CaO, and H2O under hydrothermal conditions. This study underscores the potential of using recycled materials to produced high-strength geopolymers, offering a promising solution to the environmental challenge of solar-panel waste.

Sustainable Strategies for Crystalline Solar Cell Recycling: A Review on Recycling Techniques, Companies, and Environmental Impact Analysis

Solar PV is gaining increasing importance in the worldwide energy industry. Consequently, the global expansion of crystalline photovoltaic power plants has resulted in a rise in PV waste generation. However, disposing of PV waste is challenging and can pose harmful chemical effects on the environment. Therefore, developing technologies for recycling crystalline silicon solar modules is imperative to improve process efficiency, economics, recovery, and recycling rates. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of PV waste management, specifically focusing on crystalline solar cell recycling. The classification of PV recycling companies based on various components, including solar panels, PV glass, aluminum frames, silicon solar cells, junction boxes, plastic, back sheets, and cables, is explored. Additionally, the survey includes an in-depth literature review concentrating on chemical treatment for crystalline solar cell recycling. Furthermore, this study provides constructive suggestions for PV power plants on how to promote solar cell recycling at the end of their life cycles, thereby reducing their environmental impact. Moreover, the techno-economic and environmental dimensions of solar cell recycling techniques are investigated in detail. Overall, this review offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with crystalline solar cell recycling, emphasizing the importance of economically feasible and environmentally sustainable PV waste management solutions in the constantly evolving solar energy market.

Numerical investigation of the effect of operating conditions on performance of PV-PCM system

The photovoltaic module only manages to convert around 15% of the incoming light into usable electricity and the rest is lost as heat, reducing the module's overall efficiency. Hybrid photovoltaic thermal systems are therefore the best way to collect thermal and electrical energy. The cooling and heat storage benefits of PV cells are amplified using phase change materials (PCMs). In this article, a simple two-dimensional CFD model to forecast the temperature of the PV where it contacts the PCM. The findings of the numerical simulations show that PV systems equipped with PCM have been studied under a variety of situations. A contemporary thermodynamic study is performed to examine system behaviour under different operating settings by investigating the effect of some rather crucial aspects that have not been taken into account before. The research takes into account three instances, each with its own unique combination of wind speed, ambient temperature, and sun irradiation. It has been shown that the solar radiation is a key component for growth in the PV temperature. The findings show that an increase in PV temperature of 5–7°C is caused by an increase in solar irradiance of 1000 W/m2. The rise in wind velocity, heat dissipation rate increases resulting to the fall in the temperature of the PCM and glass, the decrease in PCM temperature leads to a further drop in glass temperature. More so than wind speed or solar irradiation, ambient temperature determines how quickly PV glass heats up. Furthermore, at an ambient temperature of 35°C, PCM is found to melt entirely in 435 min, whereas at an ambient temperature of 30°C, PCM melts up to a liquid fraction of 0.77 min. Therefore, the efficiency of the PV system improves dramatically as the outside temperature is lowered.

Analysis of water and refrigerant-based PV/T systems with double glass PV modules: An experimental and computational approach

Water and refrigerant-based photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems have substantial promise as sustainable energy solutions for commercial and residential buildings. Integrated photovoltaic and solar thermal systems outperform discrete systems in conversion efficiency and space utilization. There is a dearth of quantitative comparative studies on these systems despite their functional similarities. This study offers a comparative analysis of PV/T systems employing water and refrigerant as heat transfer fluids. Both systems are characterized by identical size and collector design. Prototypedevelopment, experimental research, and parametric assessments using computer models are used to attainthis target. Furthermore, the design of the PV/T collector in this research study involved the utilization of a double glass PV module instead of a tedlar back sheet PV module. Based on ambient conditions, refrigerant-based PV/T systems can reach a final water temperature of 7 °C to 14.9 °C higher than water-based systems. In low irradiance conditions, the refrigerant-based system generates hot water more reliably than the water-based system.

Structural, optical and mechanical properties of Ti-doped Ta2O5 films for PV glass covers

Ti doped Ta2O5 thin films (TTO) with uniform thickness were prepared on photovoltaic glass substrates by DC and RF magnetron co-sputtering with different target powers. The surface morphology and microstructure of the films were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM). The composition of the films was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The optical parameters of the films were measured by UV–visible spectrophotometer. The hardness and Young 's modulus of the coating were tested by nanoindentation. XPS analysis shows that the main components of TTO films are TiO2 and Ta2O5. SEM and AFM results show that the surface of the TTO film is smooth and flat, with uniform elemental distribution and nanometer roughness. The SEM cross-sectional morphology shows that the TTO film presents a dense columnar structure growth. The TEM results show that the TTO films do not show bright diffraction rings and mainly exhibit an amorphous phase structure dominated by Ta2O5. The optical test results show that the maximum transmittance of TTO film can reach 94.59 %. The transmittance of TTO films shows a decreasing trend with increasing sputtering power of the target, while the opposite is true for reflectance and refractive index. The optical band gap of the TTO films is between 4.12 eV and 4.42 eV. The mechanical test results show that the hardness of the TTO film can reach up to 9.53 Gpa. The hardness of TTO film increases with the increase of target power. The H/E and H3/E2 values indicate that Ti doped Ta2O5 films are favourable for improving the resistance to plastic deformation of the films. Comprehensive analyses show that Ti doped Ta2O5 films can have both excellent optical and mechanical properties. TTO films can provide a valuable reference for the study of PV glass protective layer.

Comprehensive assessment of double skin façades: A mathematical model for evaluating influence of KL ratio on electrical and thermal performances, and indoor conditions

The present study proposes a mathematical model to evaluate the electrical and thermal performance of a novel Double Skin Façade (DSF) system and its impact on indoor conditions. DSF system comprises opaque PV and transparent Glass panels integrated as an exterior skin. Further, the cavity between the DSF’s exterior and interior skins provides airflow that increases PV efficiency and delivers preheated air into the room for space conditioning. The mathematical model is based on energy balance equations written, considering the DSF as an integral part of the room. This system of energy balance equations is then solved analytically under quasi-steady-state conditions for developing a mathematical model in terms of DSF’s design and climatic parameters. The model is employed to investigate multiple design parameters of DSF, including KL ratio (proportion of PV façade height to total façade height), Glass façade transmissivity, PV packing factor, cavity dimensions, and airflow rate. Montreal (Canada) is considered a pilot location for the study. The results indicate that increasing the KL ratio reduces room temperature and increases electrical output. For a fixed KL ratio, the room temperature can also be modified by adjusting the transmissivity of the exterior and interior glass façade without impacting the electrical output. A 20 % increase in the interior façade’s transmissivity results in a 2.3 ˚C rise on a winter design day and a 2.6 ˚C rise on a summer design day. Additionally, the room temperature increases with an increase in the mass airflow rate up to a certain value, after which it decreases. This behavior is attributed to the interplay between the increased convective heat transfer coefficient (which tends to increase room temperature) and the reduced flow rate factor (which tends to decrease room temperature).

Daylighting performance assessment of a split louver with parametrically incremental slat angles: Effect of slat shapes and PV glass transmittance

Advanced shading systems, including light redirecting systems, may cause undesirable glare and affect the quality of the transmitted daylight. Therefore, it is important to integrate different building components, such as shading and glazing, to comprehensively assess daylighting performance and ensure a comfortable, luminous environment. This study proposes an advanced daylighting design based on a parametrically controlled split louver with reflective slats to redirect sunlight onto a ceiling and integrated PV glazing to control the illuminance levels. A special contoured slat design (retro shape) was evaluated and compared to different slat shapes (flat, curved, and oval) of the upper section. In addition, the effect of the PV glass transmittance (30 %, 50 %, and 70 %) on the daylighting performance was investigated. The daylight analysis was performed using Grasshopper software as a parametric tool to predict the daylighting performance through advanced dynamic metrics including Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI), Daylight Glare Probability (DGP), and Illuminance Uniformity (Uo). It is found that the retro-shaped slat design can significantly improve the daylight distribution and level without using the common blind system for more than 90 % of the work plane area within the recommended acceptable UDI range (150 ∼ 750 lx) for a longer period of the day (including the early morning and late afternoon). Furthermore, retro-shaped slats can improve the Uo throughout the space to achieve the recommended level (0.70), while PV glazing can reduce the risk of daylight glare.

Modelling analysis and performance evaluation of a novel hybrid CdTe-PCM PV glass module for building envelope application

In this work, a novel hybrid CdTe-PCM PV glass module (CdTe-PCMG) was proposed, fabricated and tested. A mathematical optical-electrical-thermal coupled model was established and validated against the experiment data under different ambient conditions. Based on the validated model, a building energy simulation (BES) model integrated with the novel modules as building windows was established. Comparison case study was respectively conducted between the building model with single PV glass module under a continuous hot/cool week. Impacts of several parameters including the PV coverage, ambient conditions, PCM thickness and phase change range on the comprehensive electrical and thermal performance was analyzed. Annual performance in five different climatic cities was predicted to discuss the PCMG's regional application potential. Main conclusions are: (1) The utilization of PCM has improved the electrical output of the PV glass and enhanced the indoor thermal comfort when applied on the building envelope; (2) According to the parameter analysis under the cool week, the optimal PCM layer thickness and phase change range were 3.5 cm and 22 °C ∼ 24 °C; (3) Based on the annual performance predictions, the PCMG was more suitable to be applied in the regions with abundant solar radiation resource or mild climate condition.

Field experimental test and performance analysis of a novel hybrid CdTe PV glass module integrated with phase change materials

In this study, a novel hybrid semi-transparent CdTe PV glass module integrated with a middle phase change materials (PCMs) layer is proposed and fabricated. Detailed fabrication process of the CdTe-PCM PV glass module (CdTe-PCMG) is illustrated. A field experimental test rig was constructed to evaluate and compare its comprehensive performance with the single CdTe PV glass (CdTe-SG). Several groups of continuous full-day experiments were conducted under different ambient condition days in Hefei. Main results are: (1) Utilization of PCM can effectively improve the PV module's electrical output, with an average daily increase ratio of 6.67% on the daily total electricity generation compared with SG among the ten investigated sunny days. Daily average ηe were respectively 7.63% and 8.31% for SG and PCMG; (2) PCM has realized effective cooling to the PV glass, with the maximum temperature differences between SG's and PCMG's external PV surface of 16.56 °C, 26.32 °C and 18.60 °C for the three groups of experiments. Average temperature decrement factors of the PCMG external surface were respectively 0.76, 0.72 and 0.67 compared with SG. This novel PCMG module has a promising application potential in energy-saving and indoor thermal comfort improvement when applied as building window.

Development of low-temperature thermal decomposition recycling technology from photovoltaic modules to flat glass applications

The recycling method for thermal decomposition of photovoltaic modules is a recycling method that can completely remove EVA, which is a sealing material, and can neatly separate the cells and glass. However, most back sheets are made of PET, and if they are simply thermally decomposed, a large amount of complex bonded carbides (“soot”) is generated. We succeeded in suppressing the generation of soot by heating resin components such as PET and EVA, melting and dropping them into a ceramic filter supported by a catalyst, promoting the oxidation reaction, and separating the glass and the cells cleanly. It was confirmed that the thermal decomposed PV glass can be recycled into flat glass by a float glass manufacturing company.

Strategies for minimizing induced thermomechanical stress in glass–glass PV modules with half cells identified using finite element modelling

The thermomechanical stress developed through interconnection, lamination and initial thermal cycling of multi-busbar (MBB) interconnected glass-glass solar modules was investigated using finite element modelling. The simulated results showed that highly localized stress was induced in the silicon (Si) cells after interconnection. Due to the compressive effect from the glass, maximum tensile stress in Si decreased after lamination, whilst maximum von Mises stress in Cu ribbons increased. Both stresses in Si and Cu further increased during thermal cycling. Copper ribbons with a lower aspect ratio and smaller cross-sectional area induced lower stress in Si. While higher stress was developed in thinner Si cells, increases in cell length resulted in a higher stress in the Cu ribbons. By aligning the front and rear contact pads on the cells, the Si tensile stress can be effectively reduced throughout the thermal processes.

A comparative evaluation of different PV soiling estimation models using experimental investigations

Dust accumulation on cover facets of PV panels has a detrimental effect on the performance characteristics. In the present study, a thorough investigation on the impact of dust mass accumulation on the surface of PV panels has been presented by exposing PV modules and glass coupons to natural soiling. The site-specific nature of soiling phenomenon has been analyzed by testing 12 different models classified under three categories at study location. Transmittance loss models based on natural soiling experiments showed errors <2 % while the errors associated with PM deposition-based models ranged from 4 to 14 % and it was found that these models are sensitive to cleaning episodes. The errors associated with empirical models which relate soiling with different environmental parameters through regression were as high as 40–93 % and thus, cannot be used at different sites. The major finding of the study helped to conclude that the use of averaged input parameters to model soiling losses neglect the impact of short-term events (wind gusts and drizzle) and thus, compromise the accuracy of soiling predictions.

Opportunities for Recycling PV Glass and Coal Fly Ash into Zeolite Materials Used for Removal of Heavy Metals (Cd, Cu, Pb) from Wastewater.

This work shows the development and characterization of two zeolite structures by recycling PV glass and coal fly ash for the removal of cadmium, copper, and lead from synthetic solutions containing one or three cations. The materials were characterized in terms of crystalline structure (XRD), morphology (SEM, AFM), and specific surface. For increasing the heavy-metals removal efficiency, the adsorption conditions, such as substrate dosage, preliminary concentration, and contact time, were optimized. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model adsorption kinetics fit well to describe the activity of the zeolites ZFAGPV-A and ZFAGPV-S. The zeolite adsorption equilibrium data were expressed using Langmuir and Freundlich models. The highest adsorption capacities of the ZFAGPV-A zeolite are qmaxCd = 55.56 mg/g, qmaxCu = 60.11 mg/g, qmaxPb = 175.44 mg/g, and of ZFAGPV-S, are qmaxCd = 33.45 mg/g, qmaxCu = 54.95 mg/g, qmaxPb = 158.73 mg/g, respectively. This study demonstrated a new opportunity for waste recycling for applications in removing toxic heavy metals from wastewater.

Optical and mechanical properties of Zr-oxide doped TiO2/SiO2 anti-reflective coatings for PV glass covers

Multi-layer systems are frequently used as anti-reflective coatings (ARCs) due to their excellent optical properties. However, these systems suffer from erosive degradation (wear), thus urgently seeking alternative ways to improve their mechanical properties while maintaining their optical response. To tackle this problem, we propose to dope multi-layer TiO 2 /SiO 2 coatings with Zr-oxides to enhance their crystalline structure and density/compactness, as well as to form Si–Zr–O bonds. We explore the effect of Zr-oxide doping on the microstructure as well as the optical and mechanical properties of multi-layer TiO 2 /SiO 2 coatings with the overall aim to synergistically induce enhanced optical and mechanical properties. Therefore, homogeneous 250 nm thick multi-layer TiO 2 /SiO 2 coatings doped with Zr-oxides (different atomic concentrations) were deposited on glass substrates by magnetron sputtering. Based on our analysis, Zr-doping improves the optical and mechanical properties simultaneously. Among all ARCs, the sample annealed at 400 °C and doped with 1 at.-% Zr presented an excellent anti-reflective behavior and the best mechanical performance. These characteristics point towards an improved mechanical resistance (outstanding durability) and optical efficiency thus rendering them excellent candidates for the protection of glass covers on solar panels. • Design of anti-reflective coatings with TiO 2 /SiO 2 multi-layers doped with Zr-oxides. • Assessment of mechanical properties via XPM ultra-fast nanoindentation. • Zr-oxide doping and annealing synergistically improved mechanical properties.

Joint Research Project (in progress): Draft Standard for Determining the Thermal Stress of Glass and Glass-Glass PV Modules (BIPV) in the Construction Industry

For the design of façade and roof glazing, loads due to dead weight, climatic loads (IGU - pressure differences), wind and snow are well investigated and are considered in engineering practice. However, glass constructions are also ex-posed to thermally induced stresses due to direct solar irradiation. The standards and guidelines available so far, both nationally and at the European level, are partly outdated or contain only simplified instructions and specifications for calculating thermally induced stresses of façade and roof glazing. Within the research project, a variety of façade glazing configurations and additionally building-integrated (BIPV) glass-glass photovoltaic modules, for example as a façade cladding rear ventilated, are being investigated by means of numerical simulation and subsequent experimental validation with up-to-date German meteorological data. The purpose of the project is to reduce or prevent the occurrence of thermally induced glass breakage (thermal breakage) through European standardization. In this way, economic damage can be avoided. The present paper provides an insight into the two-years lasting joint research project, including the current status of science and technology, goals, structure and process, and descriptions of work packages. Results, such as the collection of the various influencing factors, meteorological data, and results from numerical simulations, will be presented after the project has finished at the end of September 2022.

Extreme arid conditions: Association among soiling characteristics, transmittance loss and climatic conditions

Because of the massive increment in solar plants located in extreme environments, studying the association of climate parameters and soiling in natural conditions has been necessary. In this work, solar glass coupons were exposed to environmental conditions in Salvador solar plant, in the Atacama Desert, during summer and winter campaigns. The soiling was quantified and characterized, and the degradation of optical properties of soiled coupons was also measured. Regarding the reduction of the optical properties of the glass coupons, it was observed that the detrimental effect was higher in summer than in winter. A statical analysis found that this difference in soiling performance is related to the relative humidity and wind speed present in each campaign, mainly due to the daily variations of these parameters. Prolonged periods of relative humidity close to 30% promote the adhesion of particles to the PV glass surface and inhibit their resuspension by the action of the wind, i.e., more dust mass accumulates. Since the effect of soiling is more critical during the summer period, the use of a preventing soiling mitigation system is highly encouraged, and the adjustment of the cleaning schedule according to the seasonality of soiling.

Soiling investigation for PV and CSP system: experimental and ANN modelling analysis in two sites with different climate

ABSTRACT Photovoltaic and CSP development are related to site specification. In addition to high levels of insolation, climate and environmental conditions have a great impact on the efficiency of these technologies. Soiling stands as a major parameter influencing the degradation of transmittance and reflectance for PV glass and CSP reflectors respectively, which decreases electrical performance. In this paper, the PV system and TraCS system (Tracking Cleanliness System) are used to evaluate the soiling effect in two sites with different climate conditions. Environmental variables such as air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and precipitation, are used as inputs to model soiling. The relationship between different input and output variables are analysed using two linear regression models in a simple form, and with the interaction between model predictors. An in-depth analysis is performed with an artificial neural network (ANN) model, to assess its ability to resolve the complexity of the soiling problem in relation to environmental parameters, and also for comparison with the linear models. The results show that in the region with relatively low rainfall soiling is significantly high and the soiling loss reach up in the summer season –1.07%/day. However, in the region with significant rainy days, the soiling loss is in the range of –0.18%/day in the same period of the year. On the other hand, the ANN model performed significantly in estimating the soiling ratio in comparison to the linear models in terms of R 2 values and statistical indicators.

Design, Development, and Characterization of Low Distortion Advanced Semitransparent Photovoltaic Glass for Buildings Applications

Aesthetic appearance of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products, such as semitransparent PV (STPV) glass, is crucial for their widespread adoption and contribution to the net-zero energy building (NZEB) goal. However, the visual distortion significantly limits the aesthetics of STPV glass. In this study, we investigate the distortion effect of transparent periodic-micropattern-based thin-film PV (PMPV) panels available in the market. To minimize the visual distortion of such PMPV glass panel types, we design and develop an aperiodic micropattern-based PV (APMP) glass that significantly reduces visual distortion. The developed APMP glass demonstrates a haze ratio of 3.7% compared to the 10.7% of PMPV glass. Furthermore, the developed AMPV glass shows an average visible transmittance (AVT) of 58.3% which is around 1.3 times higher than that of AMPV glass (43.8%). Finally, the measured CIELAB values (L* = 43.2, a* = −1.55, b* = −2.86.) indicate that our developed AMPV glass possesses excellent color neutrality, which makes them suitable for commercial applications. Based on the characterization results, this study will have a significant impact on the areas of smart window glasses that can play a vital role in developing a sustainable environment and enhancing the aesthetical appearance of net-zero energy buildings (NZEB).

Examining the Impact of Different Technical and Environmental Parameters on the Performance of Photovoltaic Modules

Abstract This article presents an evaluation of the performance of PV modules with the variation of some technical and environmental parameters: The PV module tilt angle, and the impact of soiling on the power output of PV module, and the transmittance of the PV glass surfaces. The experiments were achieved in Helwan City (Egypt) at the premises of the Faculty of Engineering of Helwan University. For the soiling part, it comprises two experiments: Transmittance of PV glass surfaces, and the power output of PV modules. For the transmittance experiment, it has been achieved using a simplified method, where three PV glass surfaces were placed at three different tilt angles (0°, 15°, and 30°) and left exposed to the outdoor environment without cleaning for a period of 25 days during the summer season. For the experiment concerning the impact of soiling on the power output, a set of PV modules connected in series have been exposed for a period of 75 days to the outdoor environment without cleaning. Finally, for the PV module tilt angle experiment, another set of PV modules have been used for that purpose, where four different tilt angles were experimented: 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°. The present research recommends that more studies are needed in the same context, taking into consideration correlating the technical and environmental parameters in one single experiment and during different times of the year. This would be helpful in having overarching perspective regarding the electrical performance of PV modules under different circumstances of tilt angles and soiling patterns within the area of Helwan (Egypt).