Improved Modelling of PV Systems with Snow Soiling for Optimized Local Energy Sharing

Snow soiling on photovoltaic (PV) systems can significantly impact their performance, particularly in regions with heavy snowfall. This study investigates the effects of snow soiling on energy sharing efficiency within local energy communities, focusing on Norwegian cabin fields. We analyze the occurrence of snow soiling across different panel mounting configurations and evaluate its impact on energy sharing models using both simulated and measured PV data. The study employs a detailed experimental setup in Trondheim, Norway, where five PV panel orientations with varying tilt angles are monitored over three years (2021-2023). The results indicate that snow soiling frequently occurs, with significant variability across panel configurations. Panels with lower tilt angles and specific mounting designs experience prolonged snow coverage, while those with higher tilt angles and configurations allowing snow to slide off show reduced snow coverage. In terms of energy sharing, the impact of snow soiling is found to be minimal. Although snow soiling leads to a worse initial condition, the improvement potential for energy sharing remains consistent across different scenarios. The study reveals that variations in generation profiles due to snow soiling are too small to significantly influence the benefits of energy sharing, suggesting that other factors, such as load profiles, may play a more dominant role. Future research should explore the effects of snow soiling at higher altitudes, include local shadow effects in simulation models, and analyze specific periods such as spring holidays to refine energy sharing strategies. This research provides valuable insights into optimizing PV system performance in snowy environments and supports the development of effective energy sharing models in local communities.