IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v11y2019i17p4697-d261937.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Soiling of Photovoltaic Modules: Comparing between Two Distinct Locations within the Framework of Developing the Photovoltaic Soiling Index (PVSI)

Author

Listed:
  • Thamer Alquthami

    (Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia)

  • Karim Menoufi

    (Renewable Energy Sciences and Engineering Department, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt)

Abstract

This article evaluates the impact of dust accumulation on the performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules in two different locations inside Egypt, Cairo and Beni-Suef. Two identical PV modules were used for that purpose, where each module was exposed to the outdoor environment in order to collect dust naturally for a period of three weeks, each in its corresponding location. The approximate dust density on each of the two PV modules was estimated. Moreover, the electrical performance was evaluated and compared under the same indoor testing conditions. The results show a better electrical performance and less dust density for the PV module located in Cairo compared to that located in Beni-Suef. The results further provide an indication for the impact of soling in different locations within the same country through a clear and simple procedure. In addition, it paves the way for establishing a Photovoltaic Soiling Index (PVSI) in terms of a Photovoltaic Dust Coefficient, as well as a Photovoltaic Dust Interactive Map. The product of such concepts could be used by the Photovoltaic systems designers everywhere in order to estimate the impact of dust on the future performance of PV modules in small and large installations in different regions around the globe, and during different times of the year as well.

Suggested Citation

  • Thamer Alquthami & Karim Menoufi, 2019. "Soiling of Photovoltaic Modules: Comparing between Two Distinct Locations within the Framework of Developing the Photovoltaic Soiling Index (PVSI)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(17), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:17:p:4697-:d:261937
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/17/4697/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/17/4697/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Fouad, M.M. & Shihata, Lamia A. & Morgan, ElSayed I., 2017. "An integrated review of factors influencing the perfomance of photovoltaic panels," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 1499-1511.
    2. Ricardo Conceição & Hugo G. Silva & José Mirão & Manuel Collares-Pereira, 2018. "Organic Soiling: The Role of Pollen in PV Module Performance Degradation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-13, January.
    3. Zaihidee, Fardila Mohd & Mekhilef, Saad & Seyedmahmoudian, Mehdi & Horan, Ben, 2016. "Dust as an unalterable deteriorative factor affecting PV panel's efficiency: Why and how," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 1267-1278.
    4. Tanesab, Julius & Parlevliet, David & Whale, Jonathan & Urmee, Tania, 2017. "Seasonal effect of dust on the degradation of PV modules performance deployed in different climate areas," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 105-115.
    5. Yu Jiang & Lin Lu, 2016. "Experimentally Investigating the Effect of Temperature Differences in the Particle Deposition Process on Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Modules," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(11), pages 1-9, October.
    6. Christopher Sansom & Aránzazu Fernández-García & Florian Sutter & Heather Almond & Peter King & Lucía Martínez-Arcos, 2016. "Soiling and Cleaning of Polymer Film Solar Reflectors," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(12), pages 1-12, November.
    7. You, Siming & Lim, Yu Jie & Dai, Yanjun & Wang, Chi-Hwa, 2018. "On the temporal modelling of solar photovoltaic soiling: Energy and economic impacts in seven cities," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 228(C), pages 1136-1146.
    8. Figgis, Benjamin & Ennaoui, Ahmed & Ahzi, Said & Rémond, Yves, 2017. "Review of PV soiling particle mechanics in desert environments," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 872-881.
    9. Karim Menoufi, 2017. "Dust Accumulation on the Surface of Photovoltaic Panels: Introducing the Photovoltaic Soiling Index (PVSI)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-12, June.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Fernando Antonanzas-Torres & Javier Antonanzas & Julio Blanco-Fernandez, 2021. "Environmental Impact of Solar Home Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-19, August.
    2. Gabriel López & Diego Ramírez & Joaquín Alonso-Montesinos & Juan Sarmiento & Jesús Polo & Nuria Martín-Chivelet & Aitor Marzo & Francisco Javier Batlles & Pablo Ferrada, 2021. "Design of a Low-Cost Multiplexer for the Study of the Impact of Soiling on PV Panel Performance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-12, July.
    3. Ali Hasan Shah & Ahmed Hassan & Mohammad Shakeel Laghari & Abdulrahman Alraeesi, 2020. "The Influence of Cleaning Frequency of Photovoltaic Modules on Power Losses in the Desert Climate," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-15, November.
    4. 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.
    5. 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.
    6. Pankaj Borah & Leonardo Micheli & Nabin Sarmah, 2023. "Analysis of Soiling Loss in Photovoltaic Modules: A Review of the Impact of Atmospheric Parameters, Soil Properties, and Mitigation Approaches," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-26, December.
    7. Miqdam T. Chaichan & Hussein A. Kazem & Ali H. A. Al-Waeli & Kamaruzzaman Sopian & Mohammed A. Fayad & Wissam H. Alawee & Hayder A. Dhahad & Wan Nor Roslam Wan Isahak & Ahmed A. Al-Amiery, 2023. "Sand and Dust Storms’ Impact on the Efficiency of the Photovoltaic Modules Installed in Baghdad: A Review Study with an Empirical Investigation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-25, May.
    8. Chiteka, Kudzanayi & Arora, Rajesh & Sridhara, S.N. & Enweremadu, C.C., 2021. "Influence of irradiance incidence angle and installation configuration on the deposition of dust and dust-shading of a photovoltaic array," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Conceição, Ricardo & González-Aguilar, José & Merrouni, Ahmed Alami & Romero, Manuel, 2022. "Soiling effect in solar energy conversion systems: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).
    2. Costa, Suellen C.S. & Diniz, Antonia Sonia A.C. & Kazmerski, Lawrence L., 2018. "Solar energy dust and soiling R&D progress: Literature review update for 2016," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 2504-2536.
    3. Hammad, Bashar & Al–Abed, Mohammad & Al–Ghandoor, Ahmed & Al–Sardeah, Ali & Al–Bashir, Adnan, 2018. "Modeling and analysis of dust and temperature effects on photovoltaic systems’ performance and optimal cleaning frequency: Jordan case study," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 2218-2234.
    4. Mohammed Al-Housani & Yusuf Bicer & Muammer Koç, 2019. "Assessment of Various Dry Photovoltaic Cleaning Techniques and Frequencies on the Power Output of CdTe-Type Modules in Dusty Environments," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-18, May.
    5. Ilse, Klemens K. & Figgis, Benjamin W. & Naumann, Volker & Hagendorf, Christian & Bagdahn, Jörg, 2018. "Fundamentals of soiling processes on photovoltaic modules," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 239-254.
    6. Ridha, Hussein Mohammed & Gomes, Chandima & Hizam, Hashim & Ahmadipour, Masoud & Heidari, Ali Asghar & Chen, Huiling, 2021. "Multi-objective optimization and multi-criteria decision-making methods for optimal design of standalone photovoltaic system: A comprehensive review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    7. Karim Menoufi, 2017. "Dust Accumulation on the Surface of Photovoltaic Panels: Introducing the Photovoltaic Soiling Index (PVSI)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-12, June.
    8. Aránzazu Fernández-García & Adel Juaidi & Florian Sutter & Lucía Martínez-Arcos & Francisco Manzano-Agugliaro, 2018. "Solar Reflector Materials Degradation Due to the Sand Deposited on the Backside Protective Paints," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-20, March.
    9. Gabriel López & Diego Ramírez & Joaquín Alonso-Montesinos & Juan Sarmiento & Jesús Polo & Nuria Martín-Chivelet & Aitor Marzo & Francisco Javier Batlles & Pablo Ferrada, 2021. "Design of a Low-Cost Multiplexer for the Study of the Impact of Soiling on PV Panel Performance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-12, July.
    10. Micheli, Leonardo & Theristis, Marios & Talavera, Diego L. & Almonacid, Florencia & Stein, Joshua S. & Fernández, Eduardo F., 2020. "Photovoltaic cleaning frequency optimization under different degradation rate patterns," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 136-146.
    11. Chanchangi, Yusuf N. & Ghosh, Aritra & Sundaram, Senthilarasu & Mallick, Tapas K., 2020. "Dust and PV Performance in Nigeria: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    12. Azouzoute, Alae & Zitouni, Houssain & El Ydrissi, Massaab & Hajjaj, Charaf & Garoum, Mohammed & Bennouna, El Ghali & Ghennioui, Abdellatif, 2021. "Developing a cleaning strategy for hybrid solar plants PV/CSP: Case study for semi-arid climate," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 228(C).
    13. Song, Zhe & Liu, Jia & Yang, Hongxing, 2021. "Air pollution and soiling implications for solar photovoltaic power generation: A comprehensive review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 298(C).
    14. Hu, Weiwei & Li, Xingcai & Wang, Juan & Tian, Zihang & Zhou, Bin & Wu, Jinpeng & Li, Runmin & Li, Wencang & Ma, Ning & Kang, Jixuan & Wang, Yong & Tian, Jialong & Dai, Jibin, 2022. "Experimental research on the convective heat transfer coefficient of photovoltaic panel," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 185(C), pages 820-826.
    15. Gulfam, Raza & Zhang, Peng, 2019. "Power generation and longevity improvement of renewable energy systems via slippery surfaces – A review," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 922-938.
    16. Aritra Ghosh, 2020. "Soiling Losses: A Barrier for India’s Energy Security Dependency from Photovoltaic Power," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-22, May.
    17. Hanifi, Hamed & Pander, Matthias & Zeller, Ulli & Ilse, Klemens & Dassler, David & Mirza, Mark & Bahattab, Mohammed A. & Jaeckel, Bengt & Hagendorf, Christian & Ebert, Matthias & Gottschalg, Ralph & S, 2020. "Loss analysis and optimization of PV module components and design to achieve higher energy yield and longer service life in desert regions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 280(C).
    18. Mito, Mohamed T. & Ma, Xianghong & Albuflasa, Hanan & Davies, Philip A., 2019. "Reverse osmosis (RO) membrane desalination driven by wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) energy: State of the art and challenges for large-scale implementation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 669-685.
    19. Fan, Siyuan & Wang, Yu & Cao, Shengxian & Zhao, Bo & Sun, Tianyi & Liu, Peng, 2022. "A deep residual neural network identification method for uneven dust accumulation on photovoltaic (PV) panels," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(PD).
    20. Laura Canale & Anna Rita Di Fazio & Mario Russo & Andrea Frattolillo & Marco Dell’Isola, 2021. "An Overview on Functional Integration of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems in Multi-Energy Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-33, February.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:17:p:4697-:d:261937. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.