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Dust Accumulation on the Surface of Photovoltaic Panels: Introducing the Photovoltaic Soiling Index (PVSI)

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  • Karim Menoufi

    (Renewable Energy Sciences and Engineering Department, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences, Beni-Suef University, P.O. Box 62511, Beni-Suef, Egypt)

Abstract

This article presents an empirical review of research concerning the impact of dust accumulation on the performance of photovoltaic (PV) panels. After examining the articles published in international scientific journals, many differences between the studies were found within the context of the PV technologies used, the contribution to this type of study from different countries, and the variety in the representation of the results where each study has its unique parameters, testing equipment, and relevant standards. Due to those variations and differences, it has been found that it is very difficult and impractical to compare between results of the corresponding studies. Hence, in addition to the valuable reviews found in literature, this article demonstrates another new perspective that highlights the gaps in the studies related to the impact of dust accumulation on PV panels. The conclusions of this study are considered to be the seed for establishing a new initiative—The Photovoltaic Soiling Index (PVSI)—which would be an indicator for the performance of PV panels under exposure to dust at the Standard Test Conditions (STC), as well as at other operating conditions in different locations around the globe.

Suggested Citation

  • Karim Menoufi, 2017. "Dust Accumulation on the Surface of Photovoltaic Panels: Introducing the Photovoltaic Soiling Index (PVSI)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-12, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:6:p:963-:d:100673
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    3. Khan, M. Ryyan & Hanna, Amir & Sun, Xingshu & Alam, Muhammad A., 2017. "Vertical bifacial solar farms: Physics, design, and global optimization," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 240-248.
    4. Tosin Waidi Olofin & Omowunmi Mary Longe & Tien-Chien Jen, 2023. "Analysis of Performance Yield Parameters for Selected Polycrystalline Solar Panel Brands in South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-18, March.
    5. Gulfam, Raza & Zhang, Peng, 2019. "Power generation and longevity improvement of renewable energy systems via slippery surfaces – A review," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 922-938.
    6. Idris Al Siyabi & Arwa Al Mayasi & Aiman Al Shukaili & Sourav Khanna, 2021. "Effect of Soiling on Solar Photovoltaic Performance under Desert Climatic Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-18, January.
    7. Wojciech Luboń & Grzegorz Pełka & Mirosław Janowski & Leszek Pająk & Michał Stefaniuk & Jarosław Kotyza & Paweł Reczek, 2020. "Assessing the Impact of Water Cooling on PV Modules Efficiency," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-13, May.
    8. 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.
    9. Costa, Suellen C.S. & Diniz, Antonia Sonia A.C. & Kazmerski, Lawrence L., 2018. "Solar energy dust and soiling R&D progress: Literature review update for 2016," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 2504-2536.

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