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Evaluation of a Dust-Related Power Loss Sensor for Solar Farm Management

Author

Listed:
  • Barnaby Portelli

    (Department of Microelectronics and Nanoelectronics, University of Malta, MSD2080 Msida, Malta)

  • Ryan D’Amato

    (Department of Microelectronics and Nanoelectronics, University of Malta, MSD2080 Msida, Malta)

  • Ivan Grech

    (Department of Microelectronics and Nanoelectronics, University of Malta, MSD2080 Msida, Malta)

  • Joseph Micallef

    (Department of Microelectronics and Nanoelectronics, University of Malta, MSD2080 Msida, Malta)

Abstract

As the adoption of solar photovoltaic systems continues to increase, the efficiency and reliability of these systems under real-world conditions become paramount. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the influence of dust deposition on PV panel performance, based on an innovative dust-related power loss sensor. A dust coefficient is defined, which gives the percentage loss in energy generation due to dust accumulation. This coefficient, obtained from the dust-related power loss sensor, was validated in this study in two ways: correlation with weather events monitored using data derived from a custom-built weather station and correlation with the outputs from an eight-panel reference system. Pairs of PV panels in this eight-panel system were subjected to four distinct cleaning schedules, and the energy generation from each pair was monitored. The results showed that the data from the dust-related power loss sensor system presented here are a reliable indicator of energy losses due to dust accumulation. The dust coefficient can thus be used as a real-time parameter that enables the creation of informed cost-effective cleaning schedules for large PV farms.

Suggested Citation

  • Barnaby Portelli & Ryan D’Amato & Ivan Grech & Joseph Micallef, 2025. "Evaluation of a Dust-Related Power Loss Sensor for Solar Farm Management," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:5:p:1141-:d:1599862
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