Soiling effects comparison between CPV plants in continental and desert climates

Abstract

This paper presents the results obtained in the analysis of soiling effects in the energy production of CPV systems placed in desert areas (Abu Dhabi). These results are compared with the ones obtained from similar systems placed in continental climate areas, as it is the center of Spain at ISFOC headquarters. While the reduction in the energy generation because of soiling accumulation was less than a 10% at ISFOC, at Abu Dhabi it seems that it can reach values of 80% relatively fast, therefore a good cleaning policy becomes mandatory in climatic areas like Abu Dhabi.