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Comprehensive Review of Dust Properties and Their Influence on Photovoltaic Systems: Electrical, Optical, Thermal Models and Experimentation Techniques

Author

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  • Hussam Almukhtar

    (Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand)

  • Tek Tjing Lie

    (Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand)

  • Wisam A. M. Al-Shohani

    (Department of Mechanical Power Engineering, Engineering Technical College, Middle Technical University, Baghdad 53172, Iraq)

  • Timothy Anderson

    (Western Institute of Technology, New Plymouth 4310, New Zealand)

  • Zaid Al-Tameemi

    (Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand)

Abstract

As conventional energy sources decrease and worldwide power demand grows, the appeal of photovoltaic (PV) systems as sustainable and ecofriendly energy sources has grown. PV system installation is influenced by geographical location, orientation, and inclination angle. Despite its success, weather conditions such as dust substantially influences PV module performance. This study provides a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the impact of dust characteristics on PV systems from three distinct perspectives. Firstly, the study looks at the dust properties in different categories: optical, thermal, physical, and chemical, highlighting their significant impact on the performance of PV systems. Secondly, the research reviews various approaches and equipment used to evaluate dust’s impact on PV, emphasizing the need for reliable instruments to measure its effects accurately. Finally, the study looks at modeling and predicting the influence of dust on PV systems, considering the parameters that affect electrical, optical, and thermal behavior. The review draws attention to the need for further research into dust’s properties, including thermal conductivity and emissivity. This analysis highlights the need for further research to develop a scientific correlation to predict the thermal behavior of PV in dusty environments. This paper identifies areas for further research to develop more efficient and effective methods for analyzing this influence and improving PV efficiency and lifespan.

Suggested Citation

  • Hussam Almukhtar & Tek Tjing Lie & Wisam A. M. Al-Shohani & Timothy Anderson & Zaid Al-Tameemi, 2023. "Comprehensive Review of Dust Properties and Their Influence on Photovoltaic Systems: Electrical, Optical, Thermal Models and Experimentation Techniques," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-31, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:8:p:3401-:d:1121916
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sahouane, Nordine & Ziane, Abderrezzaq & Dabou, Rachid & Neçaibia, Ammar & Rouabhia, Abdelkrim & Lachtar, Salah & Blal, Mohammed & Slimani, Abdeldjalil & Boudjamaa, Tidjar, 2023. "Technical and economic study of the sand and dust accumulation impact on the energy performance of photovoltaic system in Algerian Sahara," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 205(C), pages 142-155.
    2. Samuel R. Fahim & Hany M. Hasanien & Rania A. Turky & Shady H. E. Abdel Aleem & Martin Ćalasan, 2022. "A Comprehensive Review of Photovoltaic Modules Models and Algorithms Used in Parameter Extraction," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-56, November.
    3. Georgios Goudelis & Pavlos I. Lazaridis & Mahmoud Dhimish, 2022. "A Review of Models for Photovoltaic Crack and Hotspot Prediction," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-24, June.
    4. Jha, Aprajeeta & Tripathy, P.P., 2019. "Heat transfer modeling and performance evaluation of photovoltaic system in different seasonal and climatic conditions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 135(C), pages 856-865.
    5. Ramadan J. Mustafa & Mohamed R. Gomaa & Mujahed Al-Dhaifallah & Hegazy Rezk, 2020. "Environmental Impacts on the Performance of Solar Photovoltaic Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-17, January.
    6. Sameer Al-Dahidi & Salah Al-Nazer & Osama Ayadi & Shuruq Shawish & Nahed Omran, 2020. "Analysis of the Effects of Cell Temperature on the Predictability of the Solar Photovoltaic Power Production," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 10(5), pages 208-219.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Parsay, Alireza & Gandomzadeh, Mahdi & Yaghoubi, Ali Akbar & Hoorsun, Arman & Gholami, Aslan & Zandi, Majid & Gavagsaz-ghoachani, Roghayeh & Kazem, Hussein A., 2025. "Enhancing photovoltaic efficiency: An in-depth systematic review and critical analysis of dust monitoring, mitigation, and cleaning techniques," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 388(C).
    3. Shen, Yaxin & Fouladirad, Mitra & Grall, Antoine, 2025. "Mathematical modeling of solar farm performance degradation in a dynamic environment for condition-based maintenance," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 257(PA).
    4. Mina Nezamisavojbolaghi & Erfan Davodian & Amal Bouich & Mouhaydine Tlemçani & Oumaima Mesbahi & Fernando M. Janeiro, 2023. "The Impact of Dust Deposition on PV Panels’ Efficiency and Mitigation Solutions: Review Article," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-19, December.
    5. Islam, Md. Imamul & Jadin, Mohd Shawal & Al Mansur, Ahmed, 2025. "Characterization of accumulated unknown and soil dust on the PV system: An experimental study on the impact and performance analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 240(C).

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