Quantification of PV Power and Economic Losses Due to Soiling in Qatar

Abstract

Soiling losses of photovoltaic (PV) panels due to dust lead to a significant decrease in solar energy yield and result in economic losses; this hence poses critical challenges to the viability of PV in smart grid systems. In this paper, these losses are quantified under Qatar’s harsh environment. This quantification is based on experimental data from long-term measurements of various climatic parameters and the output power of PV panels located in Qatar University’s Solar facility in Doha, Qatar, using a customized measurement and monitoring setup. A data processing algorithm was deliberately developed and applied, which aimed to correlate output power to ambient dust density in the vicinity of PV panels. It was found that, without cleaning, soiling reduced the output power by 43% after six months of exposure to an average ambient dust density of 0.7 mg/m3. The power and economic loss that would result from this power reduction for Qatar’s ongoing solar PV projects has also been estimated. For example, for the Al-Kharasaah project power plant, similar soiling loss would result in about a 10% power decrease after six months for typical ranges of dust density in Qatar’s environment; this, in turn, would result in an 11,000 QAR/h financial loss. This would pose a pressing need to mitigate soiling effects in PV power plants.

Challenges Facing Solar Panel Energy Deployment within Qatari Homes and Businesses

“…The seventh study was conducted in Qatar, with an aim to experimentally examine the ecumenical loss due to the solar panels environmental challenge associated with dust. The data from the study showed that without clearing solar panels the output power would be reduced by 43% following six months of exposure to dust with average density of 0.7 mg/m 3 , which leads to economic losses if panels remain uncleaned [24].…”

Elemental composition of Dust Particles and Influence of Dust Addition on Photovoltaic Module Performance

“…Some researches categorized and conferred the dust problem based on its physical, chemical and biological properties [18]. Dust has been investigated within the last decades using several approaches [19][20][21]. Additionally, the relation amongst dust addition, tilt angle and orientation of PV modules has been investigated [22].…”

Performance Enhancement of Self-Cleaning Hydrophobic Nanocoated Photovoltaic Panels in a Dusty Environment

“…Many researchers investigate PV panels to estimate the best methods to increase efficiency. Some of this research is concentrated on the impact of dust accumulation on PV module performance, which fluctuates according to location, quantity of dust gathered, and cleaning frequency [19]. Research into dust and mud build-up has been made with PV modules in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Dhahran).…”