Dust effect on optimal photovoltaic modules installation
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Abstract
The Algerian government plans to launch several large-scale photovoltaic solar projects, targeting a total capacity of 15 GWc by 2035 and aiming to generate 27% of its energy from renewable sources. For this reason, the optimal tilt angle of photovoltaic arrays is among the most important factors for energy production maximization. However, the dust accumulation on solar collector can significantly affect their performance and productivity. Therefore, it is indispensable to consider the dust deposition effect on the optimal tilt angle of solar modules. The annual optimum tilt angle is often set around the location latitude, based on results obtained using clear-sky solar irradiance models. Numerous studies have investigated the impact of tilt angle on dust accumulation, consequently on the performance and productivity of photovoltaic modules for different regions and seasons. This study aims to analyze the optimal tilt angle of PV modules for maximum energy production, considering undesired effects such as dust, dirt and astronomic factors. The objective is to study the effects of the dust on the tilt angle of PV arrays in desert region of Algeria, according to the two aspects concerning the effect of the inclination on the dust accumulation and the optimal incidence of solar illumination. The experiments have been conducted on the dust particle accumulation on the PV modules. It was found in this study, that the dust accumulation on the PV array surface for a period of several months could significantly reduce the PV array productivity with an average power loss of about 4.38%. Therefore, the study on an optimal tilt of the PV field under the effect of dust is irresponsible to reduce the losses.
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