An updated review on factors and their inter-linked influences on photovoltaic system performance

Abstract

Globally installed solar photovoltaics (PV) capacity has crossed three hundred gigawatts and is increasing each year. As the share of solar PV in the energy mix of a country increases, forecasting PV power available will be crucial. To forecast the instantaneous and long-term PV power output, understanding the factors influencing them is necessary. In this view, this work elaborates on the factors that impact the PV system through tabulation and graphical explanation. Further, a discussion of the articles related to the dust-induced change in performance is made. To understand the impact of dust on solar PV systems in depth, advanced instrumentation and methodologies have been used in the past few years. One of the methods is the measurement of spectral transmittance/reflectance/absorptance of the dust layer on the PV panel. This has led to the question whether a thin layer of some specific dust can be beneficial by absorbing infrared (IR) heat and hence allowing the PV cells to operate at a lower temperature. Many controlled experiments in the laboratory have been made using the artificial dust and sun simulators; and such studies aid in the development of numerical models. Research in modeling, mathematical analysis (from first principles) of dust deposition, and calculation of its impact on panels have been given importance in recent years. Outdoor experiments are relatively more common than other modes of research in this field. Studies involving the interaction of deposited dust with spectral radiation, improving the correlation between artificial and natural dust deposition, the interplay between dust and atmospheric parameters are to be encouraged.

Inspection Data Collection Tool for Field Testing of Photovoltaic Modules in the Atacama Desert

“…In both cases, the comparison is made with respect to the cleaned module. In the latter case, the reduction was dominated by absorption and reflection by the dust layer [40]. Depending on the severity of soiling two main impacts can be observed on the electrical characteristics of soiled modules.…”

Assessment of Existing Photovoltaic System with Cooling and Cleaning System: Case Study at Al-Khobar City

“…The factors affecting the dust and its performance were discussed; it was shown clearly in their studies that there is a need for optimization, forecasting, and understanding of solar PV functioning, specifically unexplored factors such as soiling [13]. Additionally, an investigation on the performance losses due to dust through a dynamic study into the I-V characteristics of panels and their performance under varying soiling conditions was conducted by Rao et al [16]. Moreover, Hammad et al [17] studied effects of dust accumulation and ambient temperature on PV performance.…”

Analysis, modeling, control and operation of an interleaved three-port boost converter for DMPPT systems including PV and storage at module level

“…Such systems aim to increase the production of PV energy by performing the MPPT at PV panel level. This overcomes power loss arising from different factors, such as dust deposition [47], partial shading, different orientations, manufacturing tolerances and uneven aging of the panels [48]. Since these converters are connected in series the output voltage ripple of each module adds to the others.…”