Systematic indoor experimental practices for simulating and investigating dust deposition effects on photovoltaic surfaces: A review

Abstract

Dust accumulation can degrade the performance of a photovoltaic (PV) cell to varying degrees that are directly proportional to the deposition density. The comprehensive review presented here categorizes and describes the laboratory-based experimental practices interested in studying the effect of dust accumulation on PV modules or surfaces and then seamlessly analyzes and interprets the information extracted from the reviewed literature. Hence, the key findings of this article, which simultaneously represent its applicable added values, are a deduced pattern from the relevant research that can be generalized to all types of similar future studies. This methodical arrangement begins with dust sampling and physio-chemical characterization. This step is followed by a manual or automated scattering of dust inside the test chamber or on top of the test bench to fall on the deposition surface, after which the electrical, thermal, optical, and dust removal characterizations are carried out. The second chief outcome is an inclusive list of all the equipment used in the different workflow stages. The most significant recommendation drawn from this effort is that it is necessary to develop a protocol that allows benefiting from the mature experimental practices with valid results to include them in endurance and reliability tests for PV panels in the relevant international standards.

Keywords

• Photovoltaic performance
• Dust soiling
• Dust deposition density
• Dust removal
• Solar energy
• Renewable energy