Experimental investigation of soiling impact on grid connected PV power

Abstract

Algeria has large territory which is around 2,382 million km with an average solar power of 2650 kWh/m2/year on more than 80 % of the total surface of country. Back in 2015, the Algerian government has adopted a program for electricity production with an objective to insert 13GW of photovoltaic (PV) systems, which corresponds to an estimated modules area of 90 km2 distributed over the national territory. The PV systems choice is justified by the availability of a great solar potential. Nonetheless, the Sahara regions are characterized by frequent sandstorms. But the Algerian Northern regions are characterized by exhaust emissions of carbon particles. The main objective of our study is to show the impact of the soil on grid connected PV performance in coastal regions. Hence, experiments have been conducted on clean and dirty PV modules glazing in natural conditions to determine the electrical characteristics. It was found, that the dirt can significantly minimize the power production during the day, for an exposure period of one month and half after the last cleaning. It is very important to indicate that, this experimental investigation can help forecasting the PV generator energy production by taking into account of dirt effects. Keywords: Grid connected PV system, Soiling effects, PV generator performance