Dust accumulation effect on efficiency of Si photovoltaic modules

We experimentally studied the electrical efficiency effects of naturally forming atmospheric dust deposits on commercial photovoltaic panels. The variable considered for measurements was the electric potential for three commercial silicon modules: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous. A mathematical model was developed to determine maximum potential as a function of temperature and of total incident radiation. The study presents two essential parts: the naturally deposited dust particles and the variation in maximum electric potential between clean and dirty modules. The results indicate that the maximum reduction in potential is around of 6% for monocrystalline and polycrystalline modules and of 12% for the amorphous silicon. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3622609]