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Soiling of Photovoltaic Modules: Comparing between Two Distinct Locations within the Framework of Developing the Photovoltaic Soiling Index (PVSI)

Author

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  • Thamer Alquthami

    (Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia)

  • Karim Menoufi

    (Renewable Energy Sciences and Engineering Department, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt)

Abstract

This article evaluates the impact of dust accumulation on the performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules in two different locations inside Egypt, Cairo and Beni-Suef. Two identical PV modules were used for that purpose, where each module was exposed to the outdoor environment in order to collect dust naturally for a period of three weeks, each in its corresponding location. The approximate dust density on each of the two PV modules was estimated. Moreover, the electrical performance was evaluated and compared under the same indoor testing conditions. The results show a better electrical performance and less dust density for the PV module located in Cairo compared to that located in Beni-Suef. The results further provide an indication for the impact of soling in different locations within the same country through a clear and simple procedure. In addition, it paves the way for establishing a Photovoltaic Soiling Index (PVSI) in terms of a Photovoltaic Dust Coefficient, as well as a Photovoltaic Dust Interactive Map. The product of such concepts could be used by the Photovoltaic systems designers everywhere in order to estimate the impact of dust on the future performance of PV modules in small and large installations in different regions around the globe, and during different times of the year as well.

Suggested Citation

  • Thamer Alquthami & Karim Menoufi, 2019. "Soiling of Photovoltaic Modules: Comparing between Two Distinct Locations within the Framework of Developing the Photovoltaic Soiling Index (PVSI)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(17), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:17:p:4697-:d:261937
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    Cited by:

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    3. Pankaj Borah & Leonardo Micheli & Nabin Sarmah, 2023. "Analysis of Soiling Loss in Photovoltaic Modules: A Review of the Impact of Atmospheric Parameters, Soil Properties, and Mitigation Approaches," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-26, December.
    4. Gabriel López & Diego Ramírez & Joaquín Alonso-Montesinos & Juan Sarmiento & Jesús Polo & Nuria Martín-Chivelet & Aitor Marzo & Francisco Javier Batlles & Pablo Ferrada, 2021. "Design of a Low-Cost Multiplexer for the Study of the Impact of Soiling on PV Panel Performance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-12, July.
    5. Miqdam T. Chaichan & Hussein A. Kazem & Ali H. A. Al-Waeli & Kamaruzzaman Sopian & Mohammed A. Fayad & Wissam H. Alawee & Hayder A. Dhahad & Wan Nor Roslam Wan Isahak & Ahmed A. Al-Amiery, 2023. "Sand and Dust Storms’ Impact on the Efficiency of the Photovoltaic Modules Installed in Baghdad: A Review Study with an Empirical Investigation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-25, May.
    6. Kinally, Christopher & Antonanzas-Torres, Fernando & Podd, Frank & Gallego-Schmid, Alejandro, 2024. "Life cycle assessment of solar home system informal waste management practices in Malawi," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 364(C).
    7. Ali Hasan Shah & Ahmed Hassan & Mohammad Shakeel Laghari & Abdulrahman Alraeesi, 2020. "The Influence of Cleaning Frequency of Photovoltaic Modules on Power Losses in the Desert Climate," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-15, November.
    8. Chiteka, Kudzanayi & Arora, Rajesh & Sridhara, S.N. & Enweremadu, C.C., 2021. "Influence of irradiance incidence angle and installation configuration on the deposition of dust and dust-shading of a photovoltaic array," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).
    9. Ramadan J. Mustafa & Mohamed R. Gomaa & Mujahed Al-Dhaifallah & Hegazy Rezk, 2020. "Environmental Impacts on the Performance of Solar Photovoltaic Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-17, January.

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