Abstract
There is a great potential for solar power utilization in the Eastern part of Saudi Arabia by employing solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. Dust accumulation on the surface of solar PV modules, mirrors, reflectors and other solar collectors is of great concern due to occasional to frequent dust storm in the gulf region. The performances of such devices are significantly affected by dust accumulation. This paper presents the result of a study on the effect of dust accumulation on the power output of solar PV modules in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. The study indicates that power decrease by as much as 50% can be experienced for solar PV modules that are left unclean for a period of over six months. Solar tracker improves power output and helps reduce dust accumulation effect by 50% at off-peak time.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 633-636 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Renewable Energy |
| Volume | 60 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 2013 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors wish to acknowledge the support of the Centre of Research Excellence in Renewable Energy (CoRERE) at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in conducting this work.
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
Keywords
- Dust accumulation
- Dust characterization
- Power output
- Solar PV modules performance
- Solar tracker
- Temperature
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
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