The type of dust can significantly affect the efficiency of solar panels due to variations in composition, size, and shape, which influence how much sunlight is blocked or absorbed by the dust particles.
Types of Dust and Their Impacts
- Rice Farming Dust: This type of dust can cause the greatest power loss among the tested types. In studies, rice farming dust resulted in up to a 76% reduction in solar panel efficiency when 50 g/m² of dust accumulated on the panels.
- Industrial Dust (Fly Ash): Industrial dust from fly ash had a lesser impact compared to agricultural dust, causing about a 43% reduction in power output at the same accumulation rate of 50 g/m². Fly ash particles tend to be smaller and less dense, which may contribute to this difference.
- Desert Dust: In arid regions like deserts, dust particles are often more spherical and can accumulate easily on flat solar panels, further reducing efficiency. The shape and size of desert dust particles allow them to be more easily dislodged by wind, but they can also create a uniform layer that effectively blocks sunlight.
Factors Influencing Dust’s Impact
- Particle Size and Shape: Larger particles are more likely to accumulate on flat panels, while smaller particles can be more evenly distributed across the panel surface. Spherical particles, such as certain sands and silts, are particularly prone to accumulation.
- Humidity and Adhesion: Higher humidity can increase dust adhesion to solar panels, decreasing efficiency further. However, some cleaning methods rely on a minimal level of humidity to work effectively.
- Regional Variability: The type of dust that accumulates varies by location. For example, areas near farmland might experience more agricultural dust, while urban sites may see more industrial pollutants.
Mitigating Dust’s Effects
- Regular Cleaning: Regular cleaning is essential to maintain efficiency. Methods include water jet cleaning, dry brushing, and innovative waterless systems that use electrostatic charges to repel dust particles.
- Location Selection: Choosing locations with lower dust accumulation potential can help minimize the problem.
In summary, different types of dust have varying impacts on solar panel efficiency, and mitigating these effects requires understanding local environmental conditions and employing effective cleaning strategies.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-type-of-dust-affect-the-efficiency-of-solar-panels/
