Experimental study of the effect of pollution deposit on photovoltaic panels in open space

Planning for optimal utilization of solar energy requires evaluation of solar systems, especially photovoltaic systems in different cities of the country. Photovoltaic cells are affected by factors such as high temperature, dust deposition, electrical losses and severe storms. The presence of dust in the sky of Iran causes dust deposition on the surface of the photovoltaic panels and greatly affects the efficiency of photovoltaic panels. In this study, natural factors affecting the performance of photovoltaic panels such as the intensity of sunlight, temperature, humidity, wind current, snow and dust are mentioned. Also, several types of automatic cleaning systems are mentioned to clean the solar panels from any contamination. Experimental tests were conducted outdoors to evaluate the effect of dust on the important parameters of the photovoltaic panel. Dust deposition on the panel surface caused 3% decrease in voltage, 42% decrease in current, 46% decrease in power and 3% increase in the temperature of the contaminated panel compared to the clean panel. Comparisons between clean panel and panels contaminated with dust and sand were made. As a result, the voltage and current of the panel with 10   of sand decreased 2% and 4% more than the voltage and current of the panel with 10  of dust. Photovoltaic panels should be cleaned regularly using cleaner systems that minimize the need for water and manpower to reduce the effects of pollution and increase the efficiency.