Experimental investigation of the effects of dust accumulation on panel efficiency in photovoltaic systems

Photovoltaic cells are the most basic components of systems that convert solar energy into electrical energy. The parameter that have the most affects the energy conversion amount of the photovoltaic panels formed by combining these cells is the irradiation value by which the panel surfaces are exposed. Therefore, photovoltaic systems are generally installed in sun belt regions that are known to be sufficient in terms of sunshine duration and amount of radiation in order to make maximum use of the radiation coming from the sun to the earth. These systems that operate in outdoor conditions are faced with all kinds of environmental obstacles. One of the most important factors effecting on the efficiency of photovoltaic systems is dusting on the panel surface. Due to various factors, dust in the air covers the panel surface over time, reducing the amount of irradiation reaching the cells. The losses in the energy conversion rate that occur with the reduction of irradiation can reach significant values. Dusting tendency varies according to the air temperature, humidity, wind regime, soil structure and vegetation of the region where these systems are installed. In this study, an experimental setup was manufactured in order to investigate the effect of dust accumulation on panel efficiency. In the experimental study clay dust, calcareous dust and urban dust samples were used. The amount of dust accumulation on the panels according to the number of days was determined by a series of preliminary tests. Since it is difficult to determine the amount of natural dusting on the panel surface in the medium and long term, these amounts were determined by the developed ANN model. The energy values produced by a clean panel and panels with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days and 1, 3 and 6 months dust accumulation on the surface were measured. According to the findings, compared to the clean panel, the panels exposed to dust for 5 days produced 3.53%, 5% and 5.18% less energy for the clay dust, calcareous dust and urban dust samples, respectively. Compared to the clean panel, the panels exposed to dust for 1 month produced approximately 18%, 26% and 28% less energy for the clay dust, calcareous dust and urban dust samples, respectively. Compared to the clean panel, the panels exposed to 3 months of dust produced approximately 46%, 61% and 63% less energy for the clay dust, calcareous dust and urban dust samples, respectively. When compared with the clean panel, the panels exposed to dust for 6 months produced approximately 67%, 77% and 78% less energy for the clay dust, calcareous dust and urban dust samples, respectively. The calculated results by using the measured data are presented in graphs and tables.