Investigation of the effect of short term environmental contamination on energy production in photovoltaic panels: Dicle University solar power plant example

Abstract

Solar power is an unlimited source of power in theory when compared to the needs of the planet, however, in practice it is still a source of power convertible to electrical energy on a limited basis. In this context, efficiency of this energy conversion by photovoltaic panels has a great importance. Panel surface taking a sufficient amount of light at the right angle has a direct effect on efficiency. This is related to keeping the panel surface as clear as possible of dust and similar objects which can be reflective and absorptive. The contamination of photovoltaic panels has a negative effect on the energy production of panels. In this study, the effect of panel surface contamination, one of the most important factors affecting panel efficiency, was investigated. The investigation was conducted by comparing data from two panel strings standing very close to each other in a plant, one of which was cleaned regularly and the other left contaminated.