Measuring Solar panel power loss Due to Soiling
The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is a prime location for solar energy projects due to its high solar radiation levels, which can exceed 3,500 kWh/m² per year. This makes it an ideal environment for harnessing solar power, contributing significantly to Chile’s renewable energy mix. You can find more information on Chile’s solar energy landscape in the PVKnowhow Chile Solar Panel Manufacturing Report. However, the desert’s dry climate also leads to significant dust accumulation on solar panels, causing substantial energy losses.
Despite the Atacama Desert’s exceptional solar potential, the accumulation of dust on solar panels is a major issue. The region’s dry, dusty conditions can reduce the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems by up to 40% due to soiling. This is a critical concern, as it directly impacts the energy production and economic viability of solar projects in the region.
To tackle this challenge and better understand solar panel output, a team of researchers from the University of Antofagasta in Chile developed a new method for measuring power losses in PV systems caused by soiling. Their study, titled “A new method to calculate energy losses by soiling in photovoltaic systems,” was published in the journal Renewable Energy.
Methodology
The researchers analyzed five PV systems at the Solar Energy Research Center of the University of Antofagasta. They measured soiling losses using two methods: a differential measurement and a direct measurement.
The differential measurement involved comparing the power output of a clean PV module to a soiled one. A pyranometer was used to measure solar radiation, and the energy difference between the two modules was calculated to determine the power loss due to soiling. The direct measurement method involved installing two identical PV modules side by side, with one kept clean and the other left to accumulate dust naturally.
The team discovered that measuring the energy loss directly from the PV modules — rather than relying on secondary measurements like solar radiation — resulted in more accurate data. This direct approach provides a more precise understanding of how soiling affects panel performance.
“In this study, we demonstrated that measuring the energy loss directly from the PV modules, rather than depending on secondary measurements such as solar radiation, increases the accuracy of the data,” the researchers explained.
Impacts of Soiling on Solar Projects
The research found that soiling could lead to energy losses ranging from 8% to 25% in the PV systems studied. The amount of energy lost depended on the level of dust accumulation and the time between panel cleanings. Understanding factors affecting solar panel output, such as soiling, is crucial for optimizing performance (PVKnowhow Guide to Solar Panel Output: Wattage & Efficiency Explained).
“Through this analysis, it was discovered that soiling can cause energy losses of up to 8% to 25% in the systems studied,” the researchers stated. “The amount of energy lost is determined by the amount of dust collected and the time between panel cleanings.”
The study’s findings have significant implications for the solar energy industry, particularly in regions like the Atacama Desert, where soiling is a persistent problem. The new method developed by the University of Antofagasta team offers a more reliable way to measure and mitigate energy losses caused by dust. Regular EL testing is also essential for ensuring reliable solar panels and maintaining optimal performance (PVKnowhow EL Testing: Ensuring Reliable Solar Panels).
By providing a more accurate assessment of soiling losses, the new method can help solar project developers and operators make better decisions about cleaning schedules and maintenance strategies. This could lead to improved efficiency and increased energy output for solar projects in dusty environments. Furthermore, projects like the Atacama Solar Power Complex exemplify Chile’s commitment to renewable energy, and addressing soiling issues will only enhance their effectiveness (PVKnowhow Atacama solar power Complex: 1 Amazing Step Towards Renewable Energy).
The University of Antofagasta research team’s work is a significant step forward in addressing the challenge of soiling in solar energy systems. By providing a more accurate method for measuring power losses due to dust, their study offers valuable insights for improving the performance of solar projects in the Atacama Desert and other similar environments.
