Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The increasing demand for renewable energy sources has led to a growing interest in solar energy technologies. Among these technologies, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have gained significant attention due to their ability to convert sunlight into electricity. However, the efficiency of PV systems can be influenced by various factors such as temperature, shading, orientation, and soiling. In this study, we investigate the impact of soiling on the performance of solar PV systems. Soiling refers to the accumulation of dirt, dust, and other particulate matter on the surface of PV modules, which can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the solar cells. This reduction in sunlight absorption leads to a decrease in the electricity output of the PV system. The effects of soiling are particularly significant in arid and dusty environments, where the accumulation of dust can be substantial. To assess the impact of soiling on PV system performance, we conducted a series of experiments in which we exposed PV modules to different levels of soiling. We measured the electricity output of the modules under various soiling conditions and compared the results to clean modules to quantify the reduction in performance. Our results indicate that even a small amount of soiling can have a noticeable impact on the electricity output of PV systems. We observed a nonlinear relationship between the level of soiling and the reduction in performance, with higher levels of soiling leading to larger decreases in electricity output. Additionally, we found that the effects of soiling were more pronounced in regions with high levels of dust and particulate matter in the air. Based on our findings, we highlight the importance of regular cleaning and maintenance of solar PV systems to maximize their performance and efficiency. Implementing a cleaning schedule can help mitigate the negative effects of soiling and ensure that PV systems operate at their full potential. Furthermore, our research underscores the need for continued study of soiling effects on PV systems, especially in regions prone to high levels of dust and dirt accumulation. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of the impact of soiling on solar PV system performance and provides valuable insights for improving the efficiency and reliability of solar energy technologies.

Thesis Overview