Exploring Dust Particle Properties and PV Soiling Mapping: a Case Study in the Arid Landscape of a Desert Environment

During the settlement of dust particles onto PV module glass surfaces, the incident light is either reflected or absorbed, leading to reduced light transmission to the solar cell. Soiling-induced PV energy-yield losses can be substantial, exceeding 1% per day in dusty environments.[1] Although regular cleaning is essential, it raises O&M increasing costs. Soiling is increasingly pertinent due to expected growth in PV installations, particularly in regions highly impacted by soiling, such as parts of China, India, the USA, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).[2] Factors like airborne dust concentration and dry period length aid in predicting average soiling rates at specific locations. Short-term predictions require additional parameters like wind speed, humidity, and temperatures.[3,4] In desert environments, dew formation can occur, enhancing particle adhesion through processes like cementation, particle caking, and capillary aging. This study builds on prior investigations into soiling microstructures on glass surfaces in Doha, Qatar. Qatar's climate, characterized as a subtropical dry, hot desert climate, influences particle cementation, mainly attributed to the clay mineral palygorskite, challenging the common perception of salt-induced cementation. This research addresses open questions by performing outdoor tests, exposing glass specimens, and employing various characterization methods. Meteorological parameters and dust collected from PV modules were analysed, emphasizing their influence on soiling formation and optical losses. Results are compared across multiple characterization methods, providing insights into dust particle physical properties perspectives, soiling rates, and relevance of using commercial Dust IQ sensors.[4,5]