Impact of dust and tilt angle on the photovoltaic performance in a desert environment

Dust accumulation on photovoltaic (PV) modules significantly reduces their performance, especially in desert environments. Cleaning can be costly or not feasible. This paper presents a comprehensive study of PV modules performance in a desert environment, focusing on the impact of dust on power output reduction at various tilt angles to determine the optimal angle in uncleaned conditions. Seven pairs of PV modules were installed on the roof of the Faculty of Engineering in Jeddah City at angles of 0°, 15°, 25°, 45°, 60°, 70°, and 90°. The output power of both the cleaned and dusty modules was recorded over a 12-month period. The results show that dust accumulation, tilt angle, and rain significantly reduce power. The optimal tilt for maximum average output power varies with the seasonal position of the sun and the amount of dust on the module’s surface. After 183 days of dust accumulation without rain, the power reduction for the dusty modules reached 80.4%, 75.6%, and 60.2% at tilt angles of 0°, 15°, and 25°, respectively. In the rainy period, the highest performance of the dusty modules was observed at a 45° tilt angle, with a power reduction of 5.9%. Conversely, during the dry period and throughout the year, the tilt angle that generated the highest power output was 25°, with power reduction of, respectively, 28.7% and 20.7%. These findings provide valuable insights into the impact of dust and tilt on PV module performance and contribute to the development of predictive models and optimization strategies for solar panel systems in harsh desert conditions. This research highlights the importance of strategic tilt selection to enhance the performance and longevity of PV installations in desert environments. • Power yields of clean and dusty PV modules were measured over a year in a desert. • Dust accumulation led to power losses up to 80.4% during extended dry periods. • A 25° angle showed best year-round performance, balancing dust reduction and solar capture. • Insights are provided for optimizing PV tilt angles in harsh desert environments.