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Impact of dust on solar photovoltaic (PV) performance: Research status, challenges and recommendations

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  • Mani, Monto
  • Pillai, Rohit

Abstract

The peaking of most oil reserves and impending climate change are critically driving the adoption of solar photovoltaic's (PV) as a sustainable renewable and eco-friendly alternative. Ongoing material research has yet to find a breakthrough in significantly raising the conversion efficiency of commercial PV modules. The installation of PV systems for optimum yield is primarily dictated by its geographic location (latitude and available solar insolation) and installation design (tilt, orientation and altitude) to maximize solar exposure. However, once these parameters have been addressed appropriately, there are other depending factors that arise in determining the system performance (efficiency and output). Dust is the lesser acknowledged factor that significantly influences the performance of the PV installations. This paper provides an appraisal on the current status of research in studying the impact of dust on PV system performance and identifies challenges to further pertinent research. A framework to understand the various factors that govern the settling/assimilation of dust and likely mitigation measures have been discussed in this paper.

Suggested Citation

  • Mani, Monto & Pillai, Rohit, 2010. "Impact of dust on solar photovoltaic (PV) performance: Research status, challenges and recommendations," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 14(9), pages 3124-3131, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:14:y:2010:i:9:p:3124-3131
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hegazy, Adel A, 2001. "Effect of dust accumulation on solar transmittance through glass covers of plate-type collectors," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 22(4), pages 525-540.
    2. Said, S.A.M., 1990. "Effects of dust accumulation on performances of thermal and photovoltaic flat-plate collectors," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 73-84.
    3. El-Shobokshy, Mohammad S. & Hussein, Fahmy M., 1993. "Degradation of photovoltaic cell performance due to dust deposition on to its surface," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 3(6), pages 585-590.
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