Dust Accumulation On Solar Panels

Dust accumulation on the surface of solar pv modules mirrors reflectors and other solar collectors is of great concern due to occasional to frequent dust storm in the gulf region.

Dust accumulation on solar panels.

Dust storms descended on western new south wales with clouds so thick they blocked out the sun in canberra hailstorms battered cars houses greenhouses and solar panels. Eventually it evaporates and leaves grime behind. Besides some studies deposited the dust artificially on the surface of tested pv panels without exposing the panels to natural dust accumulation outdoors. Dust deposition on pv surface can be stud ied by dust properties composition size of particles and surrounding environmental conditions.

Various impacts and reasons of dust accumulation on pv modules are explained. This is a major problem since the light obstruction materials pose as external resistances that reduce solar photovoltaic performance. Worse things such as leaves and other debris can land on solar panels and just stay there and seriously affect performance. Regarding the dust accumulation process the specified period for accumulating the dust over the tested pv panels was different in each study.

Dust property consist of size components shape and weight. This summer bushfire smoke has blanketed towns and cities across australia. Dust accumulation on solar module surface is an issue of great concern especially in desert regions where occasional to frequent dust storms do occur. For example in malaysia the dust in acidic and can cause erosion to the surface of the panel.

So how do hailstorms dust storms and smoke affect your solar panel performance. The accumulation of dust on the surface of pv module reduces the glass cover transmittance and hence decreases the amount of solar irradiation reaching the cells. Most of the stuff caked on the panels was ordinary dirt and dust. Generally low wind is known to be a cause of dust accumulation on panels whereas high wind is known for cleaning action.

Accumulation of dirt or particles like dust water sand and moss on the surface of solar photovoltaic panel obstruct or distract light energy from reaching the solar cells. The performances of such devices are significantly affected by dust accumulation. But a small percentage around 8 percent was from. When solar panels lie flat water can pool on them and have nowhere to go.