Effect of Soiling on Solar Photovoltaic Performance under Desert Climatic Conditions

Abstract

The solar irradiation at the gulf Arabia is considered one of the highest in the world. However, this region is classified as a desert with high dust accumulation. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze the effect of soiling and the photovoltaic (PV) tilt angle on the performance of 2.0 MWp of car park PV plant in Oman. Experimental measurements were taken and a model was developed for simulation. The power generation by the cleaned PV system was measured as 1460 kW around noon. After one week of operation, the power production (at the same irradiance level) reduced to 1390 kW due to soiling. It further reduced to 1196 kW and 904 kW after three and five weeks of operation, respectively. The results also show that a soiling-percentage of 7.5% reduced the monthly electricity generation (307 MWh) by 5.6% and a soiling-percentage of 12.5% reduced the generation by 10.8%. Furthermore, the increase in tilt is not recommended due to the duo-pitch canopy effect of the car park where the panels with 180° azimuth generate lower electricity than the panels with 0° azimuth. In addition, the part of the car park with 180° azimuth caused shading to the other part for high tilt angles.

A Financial Evaluation of a Multiple Inclination, Rooftop-Mounted, Photovoltaic System Where Structured Tariffs Apply: A Case Study of a South African Shopping Centre

“…Investors utilise the data obtained from their independent consulting engineer during the feasibility study, or the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies when the tenderer submits their proposal during the tender process to determine the financial viability and ROI of a PV system [50]. In South Africa, the estimated electricity yield is obtained by simulating the PV system, and the operating conditions thereof, using software such as HelioScope and PVSyst [57][58][59]. As part of the terms and conditions of the contractual agreement, yield warranties are agreed upon.…”

Effect of Dust Accumulation on Performance of the Photovoltaic Panels in Different Climate Zones

“…Bhaduri and Kottantharayil (2018) also proved that the soiling effect affects 16-18% of the efficiency. In Kazem, Chaichan, Al-Waeli, and Sopian (2020), panels' daily power losses and monthly efficiency reduction due to dust in some places are more than 1% and 80%, respectively Siyabi, Mayasi, Shukaili, and Khanna (2021). A study on the effect of dust in Oman concluded that 7.5% of the dust in the environment reduces electricity production by 5.6% in a month, and 12.5% of dust reduces 10.8% of electricity Gives results.…”

Condition Assessment of Solar Modules by Flash Test and Electroluminescence Test

“…The power plant operators regularly calculated the theoretical electricity production based on the radiation data typical of the area. There was often a discrepancy of more than 10% between the measured data and the expected values [6][7][8][9]. To find out the reasons, thermography assessments were made on several occasions [10,11].…”