Project SINAG - blog post - dust on solar panel efficiency

Can dust affect your solar panel efficiency?

Yes, absolutely. But first, what is considered dust? A crushed form minute particle less than 500 µm in size may be defined as dust from various environmental sources such as construction sites, industries, and dust storms [1]. Dust accumulation is an external factor affecting solar PV panels' efficiency. These specks of dust can act as shading or a blockade that prevents the sunlight from reaching the solar panels. On top of that, dust accumulation can vary depending on the environment, air quality, and weather changes.

Moreover, according to Chandler, dust accumulation on solar panels is a significant issue such that in a span of 1 month, the output of photovoltaic panels can be reduced by as much as 30 percent [2]. It is concluded that a small layer of dust reduces PV system efficiency to a large extent and that the smallest particle blocks more sunlight and thus reduces the efficiency of solar panels and modules [1]. Not only can the power output of solar panels be lowered due to dust, but it can also cause damages such as cracks, corrosion, and scratches that can affect the durability and lifespan of the solar panels [3].

That said, regular maintenance can be essential to solar panel installations. The minimal maintenance required for solar panels depends on your location, climate, surroundings, and weather [4]. In addition, a study conducted in Surabaya, Indonesia, concluded that cleaning the PV panels system would increase the energy output by 8% annually [5].

Ultimately, dust is one of the enemies of our solar PV panels. Hence, it might be in our best interest to consider these dust-related issues so that the efficiency and overall continuance of our solar panels would not be at risk.

References:

[1] A. Hussain, A. Batra, and R. Pachauri, “An experimental study on effect of dust on power loss in solar photovoltaic module - sustainable energy research,” SpringerOpen, https://sustainenergyres.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40807-017-0043-y (accessed Jul. 23, 2023).

[2] David L. Chandler | MIT News Office, “How to clean solar panels without water,” MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, https://news.mit.edu/2022/solar-panels-dust-magnets-0311 (accessed Jul. 23, 2023).

[3] S. Power, “What are the best ways to reduce shading and dust on your solar panels?,” How to Reduce Shading and Dust on Your Solar Panels, https://www.linkedin.com/advice/1/what-best-ways-reduce-shading-dust-your-solar-panels#:~:text=Dust%20can%20lower%20the%20power,affect%20their%20durability%20and%20lifespan. (accessed Jul. 23, 2023).

[4] “Solar Panel Maintenance Guide: You need to clean your panels,” CNET, https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/solar-panel-maintenance-guide-how-to-clean-and-repair-solar-panels/ (accessed Jul. 23, 2023).

[5] E. Tarigan, “The effect of dust on solar PV system energy output under urban climate of Surabaya, Indonesia,” Journal of Physics: Conference Series, vol. 1373, no. 1, p. 012025, 2019. doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1373/1/012025