The effect of saharan dust on PV system yields in the tropical environment of barbados

Abstract

Saharan dust migration increases atmospheric dust concentrations in Barbados, which can settle onto solar photovoltaic (PV) module surfaces and reduce power output. Accumulation rates are further increased as systems are installed at lower tilts. Monthly yields of four commercial sized PV systems (greater than 100kWp) within the period February 2014 to January 2015 were obtained. These values were investigated during three periods, highest Saharan dust concentration, wet season and dry season, are investigated. Highest yields occurred during the dry season, which was also the period of lowest dust concentrations even though higher ambient temperatures were experienced.Index Terms -mineral dust, performance, photovoltaic systems, Saharan dust concentrations, silicon, soiling, wind speed.978-1-4799-7944-8/15/$31.00 ©2015 IEEE

Open source modelling of scenarios for a 100% renewable energy system in Barbados incorporating shore-to-ship power and electric vehicles

“…Hohmeyer (2017) estimates an average solar irradiance of 2,196 kWh/m 2 , which peaks from April to August and falls of slightly from August to December (Alleyne, 2014). This trend is in keeping with the rainy season that would be characterised by partly cloudy skies and a slight reduction in the solar irradiance (Field et al, 2015). Presently, over 95 % of the installed renewable energy grid-connected systems on Barbados are PV installations (Caricom, 2018) (2002,2004,2010,2014) based on Renewables.Ninja…”