A Framework to Reduce Dust Problems on PV Modules in the US Climatic Zones
Abstract
The peak of energy demand, oil prices, and impending climate change are critically driving the adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) as a sustainable, renewable and less impact energy alternative. The installation of PV systems for optimum yield is primarily dictated by its geographic location (latitude and available solar insolation), and installation design (tilt angle, orientation, and altitude) to maximize solar exposure. Once these parameters have been addressed appropriately, there are other externalities that contribute to the system performance (efficiency and output). Dust is a major factor that significantly influences the performance of the PV systems. Although substantial time and money have been invested in PV systems to increase efficiency, a far less time and money have been invested to address dust deposition on such systems. This paper provides an overview of soiling problems; primarily those associated with dust or sand and combined dust-moisture conditions that are associated with many of the most solar-rich geographic locations in the United States. It reviews and evaluates key contributions to the understanding, performance effects, and mitigation of these problems. More specifically, the paper reviews the impact of dust deposition on the performance of solar PV and identifies challenges to further research in this area. It highlights the status of research over seven decades of effort. Based on the research studies, the research outcome presents recommendations to guide in identifying the appropriate cleaning/maintenance cycle for PV systems. This is aligned with the prevalent climatic and environmental conditions in the United States’ climatic zones based on ASHRAE classification.
Keywords
Photovoltaics (pv), Performance, Dust impact, Pv cleaning, Ashrae us climatic zones.