Measuring Solar Panel Power Loss Caused by Soiling
Northern Chile’s Atacama Desert is a prime location for solar energy, with high solar radiation levels that can exceed 3,500 kWh/m² annually. This potential contributes significantly to the country’s renewable energy mix, as detailed in the PVKnowhow Chile Solar Panel Manufacturing Report.
However, the same dry, dusty climate presents a major challenge: soiling. The accumulation of dust can reduce the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems by up to 40%, directly impacting the energy production and economic viability of solar projects.
To tackle this challenge, 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, measuring soiling losses using both a differential and a direct method.
For the differential measurement, they compared the power output of a clean PV module to a soiled one, using a pyranometer to measure solar radiation and calculating the energy difference. The direct method, in contrast, involved installing two identical PV modules side by side—one was kept clean while the other was left to accumulate dust naturally.
The team’s key finding was that the direct method yielded more accurate data. Relying on measurements straight from the PV modules, rather than secondary data like solar radiation, provides a much clearer understanding of how soiling impacts performance.
As the researchers explained, “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.”
Impacts of Soiling on Solar Projects
The research revealed that soiling could lead to energy losses ranging from 8% to 25% in the PV systems studied. The researchers stated, “Through this analysis, it was discovered that soiling can cause energy losses of up to 8% to 25% in the systems studied. The amount of energy lost is determined by the amount of dust collected and the time between panel cleanings.” Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing solar panel output and overall performance (PVKnowhow Guide to Solar Panel Output: Wattage & Efficiency Explained).
The study’s findings have significant implications for the solar industry, especially in regions like the Atacama Desert where soiling is a persistent problem. The team’s new method offers a more reliable way to measure and mitigate energy losses from dust. In addition to addressing soiling, regular EL testing is also essential for ensuring panel reliability and maintaining optimal performance (PVKnowhow EL Testing: Ensuring Reliable Solar Panels).
This more accurate assessment of soiling losses can help solar project developers and operators optimize cleaning schedules and maintenance strategies, leading to improved efficiency in dusty environments. Addressing these issues is key to enhancing the effectiveness of major projects like the Atacama Solar Power Complex, which exemplifies Chile’s commitment to renewable energy (PVKnowhow Atacama solar power Complex: 1 Amazing Step Towards Renewable Energy).
The work from the University of Antofagasta research team marks a significant step forward in addressing soiling in solar energy systems. By providing a more accurate method for measuring power losses from dust, their study offers valuable insights for improving the performance of solar projects in the Atacama Desert and similar environments.
