Investigation on effects of natural dust on photovoltaic panels

Abstract

A Solar module is rated such that it can yield optimum output under Standard Testing Conditions (STC). But due to different environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, dust the performance of the module is reduced gradually. Accumulation of dust on solar PV module is one such natural phenomenon. The short circuit current of PV module is reduced as deposition of dust causes shading on the panel surface. As a result, the output power of the module decreases. In this paper, the effect of dust on the performance of the photovoltaic module has been studied. Two 20 watt mono Si Photovoltaic module is investigated in this study. Results shows that clean module increase the short circuit current 12.6% from May to July. On the other hand Dusty module decrease the short circuit current 15.49% from May to July.