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Dust aerosol effects on decentralized solar: A cause of systematic undersizing of solar panels in West Africa

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  • Isaacs, Stewart A.
  • Kalashnikova, Olga
  • Garay, Michael J.
  • van Donkelaar, Aaron
  • Hammer, Melanie
  • Wood, Danielle R.
  • Harris, Wesley L.

Abstract

Decentralized solar is an emerging strategy for advancing modern energy access among rural populations globally. However, both natural and anthropogenic aerosols can significantly worsen solar panel performance. Although the effect of aerosols is typically assessed using satellite or reanalysis data during system sizing, these datasets often underestimate extreme aerosol conditions in West Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Isaacs, Stewart A. & Kalashnikova, Olga & Garay, Michael J. & van Donkelaar, Aaron & Hammer, Melanie & Wood, Danielle R. & Harris, Wesley L., 2025. "Dust aerosol effects on decentralized solar: A cause of systematic undersizing of solar panels in West Africa," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 401(PC).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:401:y:2025:i:pc:s0306261925014862
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.126756
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