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Economics of Snow Accumulation on Photovoltaic Modules

Author

Listed:
  • Abdel Hakim Abou Yassine

    (Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA)

  • Ehsan Khoshbakhtnejad

    (Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA)

  • Hossein Sojoudi

    (Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA)

Abstract

The growth in photovoltaic (PV) module installations over the past decade has prompted a critical need to examine the economic implications of snow accumulation on solar energy production. The aim of this study is to quantify the economic impact of snow accumulation on PV modules in different regions and environmental conditions and to identify effective mitigation strategies for enhancing power generation efficiency and reliability of PV systems. It was found that snow accumulation on PV modules can lead to annual losses of 1% to 12% depending on the environmental conditions and geographic location. A financial analysis related to maintenance costs associated with snow accumulation on PV modules is also presented. A two-fold methodology of quantitative data analysis and interviews conducted with PV system operators is used for this purpose. In addition, the extent of snow accumulation financial losses in the U.S. is categorized based on the snowfall amount and solar market segment, suggesting an annual loss of at least USD 313M in utility and residential solar sectors. Furthermore, various currently employed active and passive snow mitigation strategies are presented in detail, describing their shortcomings and advantages. Finally, prospects on the need for developing reliable and cost-effective snow mitigation strategies for solar panels are discussed, paving the path for future studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdel Hakim Abou Yassine & Ehsan Khoshbakhtnejad & Hossein Sojoudi, 2024. "Economics of Snow Accumulation on Photovoltaic Modules," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:12:p:2962-:d:1416004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tak-Sing Wong & Sung Hoon Kang & Sindy K. Y. Tang & Elizabeth J. Smythe & Benjamin D. Hatton & Alison Grinthal & Joanna Aizenberg, 2011. "Bioinspired self-repairing slippery surfaces with pressure-stable omniphobicity," Nature, Nature, vol. 477(7365), pages 443-447, September.
    2. Hayibo, Koami Soulemane & Petsiuk, Aliaksei & Mayville, Pierce & Brown, Laura & Pearce, Joshua M., 2022. "Monofacial vs bifacial solar photovoltaic systems in snowy environments," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 193(C), pages 657-668.
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