Losses produced by soiling in the incoming radiation to photovoltaic modules

Abstract

The accumulation of dust on the surface of a photovoltaic module decreases the radiation reaching the solar cell and produces losses in the generated power. Dust not only reduces the incoming radiation on the solar cell but also changes the dependence on the angle of incidence of such radiation. This work presents the results of a study carried out at the University of Malaga to quantify radiation losses caused by soiling on the surface of photovoltaic modules. Our results show that the mean of the daily irradiation losses in a year caused by dust deposited on the surface of a photovoltaic module is around 4%. After long periods without rain, daily irradiation losses can be higher than 20%. In addition, the irradiance losses are not constant throughout the day, and they are strongly dependent on the angle of incidence and the ratio between diffuse and direct radiations. The irradiance losses as a function of solar time are symmetric with respect to noon, where they reach the minimum value. We also propose a simple theoretical model that describes the qualitative behaviour of the irradiance losses during the day. This model takes into account the percentage of dirty surface and the diffuse/direct irradiance ratio. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Experimentally Investigating the Effect of Temperature Differences in the Particle Deposition Process on Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Modules

“…Jiang et al [8] have studied the effect of dust on three different kinds of PV modules under controlled conditions in laboratories and have pointed out the relationship between deposition density and energy output reduction. Thus, it appears that the decreased influence of accumulated dust on the output of PV modules is significant [9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. In addition to directly decreasing the intensity of solar irradiation, accumulated dust can have a negative effect on solar mirrors, which is especially so in concentrating solar power plants (CSPs) rather than PV modules.…”

Influence of volcanic tephra on photovoltaic (PV)-modules: an experimental study with application to the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, Iceland

“…Dust effectively reduces incoming radiation, and also changes the effects on the radiations angle of incidence (Zorrilla-Casanova et al, 2013). In addition, the operating temperature, rainfall and solar irradiation affect the PV-efficiency, as experimentally and empirically determined (Kumar et al, 2013).…”

“…In addition, the operating temperature, rainfall and solar irradiation affect the PV-efficiency, as experimentally and empirically determined (Kumar et al, 2013). Pollution through dust is found to be dependent on rainfall (Zorrilla-Casanova et al, 2013). The initial settling of dust, and possibly also fine ash, promotes the accumulation of more dust, which is why PV-systems in arid climates can experience heavy losses in their power production during dry periods (Kumar et al, 2013).…”

Aplicabilidade De Redes Neurais Artificiais Para Análise De Geração De Energia De Um Sistema Fotovoltaico Conectado a Rede Elétrica

“…Sendo assim, a análise de geração elétrica de fonte solar é fundamental para determinar o potencial de energia disponível, para auxiliar na administração de seu despacho. Para a geração de energia elétrica de fonte solar, a variabilidade na incidência de radiação é um dos principais problemas, ocorrem devido à influência do clima como umidade, poeira, temperatura, aerossóis e espectro na produtividade de sistemas fotovoltaicos conforme abordado pelos seguintes estudos (BURGER; RÜTHER, 2006 ;RUTHER et al, 2008;RÜTHER et al, 2010;MEKHILEF et al, 2012;MERAL;DINER, 2011;YERLI et al, 2010;MARION, 2010;SINHA et al, 2013;GAETANI et al, 2014;GOTTSCHALG et al, 2004;MINEMOTO;TODA;ISHII et al, 2011;ZORRILLA-CASANOVA et al, 2012).…”