Evaluating the Effects of Dust Deposition and Ambient Temperature on Photovoltaic Performance in Uzbekistan’s Climate

Dust accumulation and high ambient temperatures are two of the most critical factors reducing the performance of photovoltaic (PV) panels, especially in hot, arid regions like Tashkent, Uzbekistan. To evaluate these effects, a simulation-based approach was used to model changes in optical transmittance, electrical output, and daily power generation under varying dust densities and temperatures. Optical transmittance was found to drop sharply with increased dust loading, falling to just 30% at 10 g/m². This decline led to a significant drop in current and power, with maximum output decreasing from 130 W to below 50 W. Daily power output also flattened under heavier dust, particularly during peak sunlight hours. In addition, elevated module temperatures – from 60°C to 80°C – caused noticeable voltage losses and reduced overall performance. These results underscore the importance of maintaining clean PV surfaces and implementing thermal management strategies to ensure consistent and efficient energy production in challenging environmental conditions.