Impact of thermoelectric coal-fired power plant emissions on the soiling mechanisms of nearby photovoltaic power plants in the Atacama Desert
<p>This study investigates the impact of coal-fired power plants on photovoltaic (PV) module soiling in the Atacama Desert. Dust accumulation and its effects on PV performance were analyzed across three sites, including one within the power plant premises. Results show that calcite used in sulfur reduction forms synthetic gypsum, promoting dust cementation, with effects noticeable up to 9 km away. Modules near the power plant experienced soiling rates up to six times higher, causing a 23% reduction in photocurrent after five months. The findings highlight the need for site-specific operation and maintenance strategies in industrial and high-humidity environments.</p>
Authors
- Mauro Henríquez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0160-3394)
- Carlos Portillo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9301-5604)
- Douglas Olivares (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3854-3505)
- Valeria del Campo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1566-4390)
- Aitor Marzo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7795-5241)
- L A Conde (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9738-6274)
- Edward Fuentealba (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8808-2615)
- Pablo Ferrada (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8260-5289)
- Abel Taquichiri (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8300-0473)
- R E Espinoza
Publication Details
- Journal
- Renewable Energy
- Published
- 2025-02-18
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2025.122684
- Citations
- 8
- Primary Topic
- Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.91
Funders
- Corporación de Fomento de la Producción
- Universidad Católica del Norte
- European Commission
- Ministerio de Educación, Gobierno de Chile
- Universidad de Antofagasta
- Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo
- Agencia Estatal de Investigación
- Fondo de Financiamiento de Centros de Investigación en Áreas Prioritarias