Characterization of Changes in the Soiling Properties and Deposition Rates Because of Groundworks Near a PV Plant in the Atacama Desert.
Abstract
Solar Plants expansions, site upgrades, and other types of groundworks can affect solar plants by making the soil less compact and prone to the increase of airborne dust in windy events. This causes the soiling rate of photovoltaic panels to rise significantly compared to normal operating conditions. This paper presents the results of a study characterizing the earthworks impact on soiling properties. This characterization is based on the comparison of the soiling rate and its physico-chemical and morphological properties before and during work. In addition, the duration of these changes over time after the completion of the earthworks in the area was analysed. Results show that before the works quartz was the predominant material, which was displaced by gypsum during the works. Another effect observed is the change in the size of the deposited material, which before the works was dominated by fine material smaller than 10 microns, while during the works most particles were between 20 and 30 microns. Deposited dust measurements show that it takes three months (after completion of the works) to return to the levels of contamination prior to the construction works.