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Global reduction of solar power generation efficiency due to aerosols and panel soiling

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  • Xiaoyuan Li

    (Princeton University
    Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc.)

  • Denise L. Mauzerall

    (Princeton University
    Princeton University)

  • Mike H. Bergin

    (Duke University)

Abstract

Air pollution and dust prevail over many regions that have rapid growth of solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation, potentially reducing PV generation. Here we combine solar PV performance modelling with long-term satellite-observation-constrained surface irradiance, aerosol deposition and precipitation rates to provide a global picture of the impact of particulate matter (PM) on PV generation. We consider attenuation caused by both atmospheric PM and PM deposition on panels (soiling) in calculating the overall effect of PM on PV generation, and include precipitation removal of soiling and the benefits of panel cleaning. Our results reveal that, with no cleaning and precipitation-only removal, PV generation in heavily polluted and desert regions is reduced by more than 50% by PM, with soiling accounting for more than two-thirds of the total reduction. Our findings highlight the benefit of cleaning panels in heavily polluted regions with low precipitation and the potential to increase PV generation through air-quality improvements.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaoyuan Li & Denise L. Mauzerall & Mike H. Bergin, 2020. "Global reduction of solar power generation efficiency due to aerosols and panel soiling," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 3(9), pages 720-727, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natsus:v:3:y:2020:i:9:d:10.1038_s41893-020-0553-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41893-020-0553-2
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    Cited by:

    1. Liu, Yujun & Yao, Ling & Jiang, Hou & Lu, Ning & Qin, Jun & Liu, Tang & Zhou, Chenghu, 2022. "Spatial estimation of the optimum PV tilt angles in China by incorporating ground with satellite data," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 189(C), pages 1249-1258.
    2. Deo, Ravinesh C. & Ahmed, A.A. Masrur & Casillas-Pérez, David & Pourmousavi, S. Ali & Segal, Gary & Yu, Yanshan & Salcedo-Sanz, Sancho, 2023. "Cloud cover bias correction in numerical weather models for solar energy monitoring and forecasting systems with kernel ridge regression," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 203(C), pages 113-130.
    3. Micheli, Leonardo & Fernández, Eduardo F. & Aguilera, Jorge T. & Almonacid, Florencia, 2021. "Economics of seasonal photovoltaic soiling and cleaning optimization scenarios," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 215(PA).
    4. Pan Xia & Lu Zhang & Min Min & Jun Li & Yun Wang & Yu Yu & Shengjie Jia, 2024. "Accurate nowcasting of cloud cover at solar photovoltaic plants using geostationary satellite images," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.
    5. Cherupurakal, Nizamudeen & Mozumder, Mohammad Sayem & Mourad, Abdel- Hamid I. & Lalwani, Shubra, 2021. "Recent advances in superhydrophobic polymers for antireflective self-cleaning solar panels," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    6. Chanchangi, Yusuf N. & Ghosh, Aritra & Micheli, Leonardo & Fernández, Eduardo F. & Sundaram, Senthilarasu & Mallick, Tapas K., 2022. "Soiling mapping through optical losses for Nigeria," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 197(C), pages 995-1008.
    7. Isaacs, Stewart & Kalashnikova, Olga & Garay, Michael J. & van Donkelaar, Aaron & Hammer, Melanie S. & Lee, Huikyo & Wood, Danielle, 2023. "Dust soiling effects on decentralized solar in West Africa," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 340(C).
    8. 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).
    9. Prasad, Abhnil Amtesh & Nishant, Nidhi & Kay, Merlinde, 2022. "Dust cycle and soiling issues affecting solar energy reductions in Australia using multiple datasets," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 310(C).
    10. Bayo-Besteiro, S. & de la Torre, L. & Costoya, X. & Gómez-Gesteira, M. & Pérez-Alarcón, A. & deCastro, M. & Añel, J.A., 2023. "Photovoltaic power resource at the Atacama Desert under climate change," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).

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