Evaluating the Impact of Dirt Accumulation on Photovoltaic Performance: Insights from an Experimental Plant in Brazil

In recent decades, the use of photovoltaic (PV) modules as a source of electricity has grown significantly, driven largely by government incentives and regulatory advancements. However, merely installing these systems does not ensure optimal energy production, as maximizing solar energy capture requires additional measures. This study examines the impact of dirt accumulation on PV modules, focusing on a system installed at the School of Engineering of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The research involved visual and thermographic analyses, as well as an evaluation of the I–V and P–V curve behavior for specific system arrays, which were cleaned during the 2024 dry season. Electrical parameters were compared between the dirty and cleaned states of the system, and the soiling ratio (SR) was calculated, ranging from 0.91 in the most affected case to 0.93 in the least affected.