Abstract:
In the past decade, solar photovoltaic (PV) modules have emerged as promising
energy sources worldwide. The only limitation associated with PV modules is the
efficiency with which they can generate electricity. One of the significant factors that
drastically reduces the efficiency of the PV module is dust accumulation on its
surface. This research aims to explore the effects of dust accumulation on the energy
yield and operating temperature of polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic modules
situated in two different climatic regions of Pakistan, i.e., Islamabad and
Bahawalpur. Two modules were used for the experimental analysis; one was kept
clean, while the other was allowed to accumulate dust naturally for six weeks. The
difference between the output parameters of clean and dirty modules provided
information about the percentage loss in output and temperature of the module at
different dust densities. Dust samples from both cities were collected and analyzed to
evaluate their structural attributes and composition. Cleaning technologies were also
examined to choose the optimal one for each city based on their effectiveness. It has
been analyzed that after six weeks, the output power of PV modules in Islamabad
decreased by 15.08% for a dust density of 6.388 g/m
. Whereas, in Bahawalpur,
10.254 g/m
2
2
of dust density reduced the output power by 25.42%. Temperature
analysis of modules shows that dust increases their temperatures and reduces the
amount of power generated by PV modules. The research findings might help to
design and optimize the performance of solar power systems and determine the
appropriate site for photovoltaic integration.
