The impact of soiling on temperature and sustainable solar PV power generation: A detailed analysis

Abstract

Soiling accumulation and high temperatures have a detrimental impact on the performance of solar photovoltaic modules. However, the effect of soiling on module temperatures remains a relatively unexplored area despite offering intriguing research possibilities. This study investigates the impact of soiling on solar photovoltaic modules, focusing on the variation in module temperatures. The research uses experimental investigations and a hybrid diode model to account for soiling losses. Furthermore, the model is employed to quantify the power reduction due to the temperature rise caused by soiling. The experimental investigations revealed that soiling deposition results in both substantial energy reductions and higher module temperatures. The soiling-induced variation in temperature profiles and corresponding power reductions on certain days was also analyzed. The results showed that the daily average reduction in power due to increased temperature was 0.614 %, 1.044 % and 1.31 %, while on the same days, the daily maximum reduction observed was 1.55 %, 2.53 % and 3.46 %, respectively. Thus, higher temperatures lead to substantial power degradation and may also affect the health of PV modules in the long run. The outcomes of this study emphasize the importance of addressing soiling-induced temperature variations, offering valuable insights for improved design and maintenance practices of power plants.