Impact of Natural Dust Deposition on the Efficiency of Solar Modules Through Field Testing and Modelling

The growing demand for diverse energy sources has arisen due to the need for energy alternatives. Among them, PV systems have shown to be the most efficient. The evident utilization of solar power is justified by its dependable energy supply and little negative impacts. Additional issues that negatively impact the functioning of PV systems include temperature-induced voltage reductions, resulting in the loss of solar electricity, as well as the accumulation of dust (soiling). The collection of dust significantly affects the optical characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) modules, important to a reduction in the generated photocurrent output. The efficiency of solar cells is affected by various internal and external elements, such as geographical location, manufacturing techniques, wind, dust, humidity, and other environmental conditions. The performance of solar systems is impacted by several factors, such as temperature, degradation, wind, irradiation, pollution, shading, and cleanliness. Dust consists of small particles that are emitted into the air by construction sites, windstorms, and industrial pollution. It is either observable or not observable. The objective of this project is to utilize the web server to examine the effect of dust on the functioning of the photovoltaic (PV) system at Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The characteristic curve was employed to assess and compare all of the relevant features of the two panels. Following a period of 90 days, there was a decline of 15 percent in the soiled panel's capacity to produce power.