Importance cleaning of PV modules for grid-connected PV systems in a desert environment

Abstract

There is a great potential for solar power utilization in the desert region in the south of Algeria by employing solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. The accumulation of dust on the surface of photovoltaic (PV) cause a significant degradation of solar conversion efficiency of PV modules. This work tries to estimate the day loss of generated energy caused by dust deposition on PV modules based on an experimental setup of a grid-connected PV plant. The experimental measurements are carried out under the outdoor condition in Adrar, Algeria. This study reveals that leaving PV array without cleaning it is not recommended in the Saharan environmental conditions which significantly reduce PV power output.