Recent research conducted by Pablo Ferrada from the University of Antofagasta has shed light on how soiling affects the performance of two popular photovoltaic (PV) technologies: multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) and cadmium telluride (CdTe). This study, presented in the ‘SiliconPV Conference Proceedings’, highlights the significance of these findings for the solar energy sector, especially in regions prone to dust accumulation.
The research focused on the performance of mc-Si and CdTe modules installed in southern Spain under varying soiling conditions. By conducting electrical measurements and analyzing spectral aspects such as dust transmittance and quantum efficiency, Ferrada and his team were able to assess how each technology responded to the presence of dust on their surfaces. The study utilized solar spectra representative of clear skies, clean glass covers, and soiled glass to calculate photogenerated current density and the spectral mismatch factor.
One of the key findings revealed that soiling impacts these technologies differently. On two cloudless days chosen for analysis, the power output losses at noon were three times greater for mc-Si modules compared to CdTe, which experienced nearly the same losses. “This result shows that the soiling impacts differently on PV modules having different spectral responses,” Ferrada noted, emphasizing the need for tailored maintenance strategies based on the technology used.
For the energy sector, these insights are crucial. As solar installations grow globally, understanding the nuances of how environmental factors like soiling affect performance can lead to better maintenance practices and more efficient energy production. Operators of solar farms in dusty regions may need to consider more frequent cleaning for mc-Si modules to mitigate performance losses, while CdTe modules might require less attention in similar conditions.
This research opens up commercial opportunities as well. Companies specializing in solar cleaning technologies or services can leverage this information to develop targeted solutions that cater to the specific needs of different PV technologies. Additionally, manufacturers of PV modules may take these findings into account when designing future products, potentially leading to innovations that enhance resilience against soiling.
As the solar energy market continues to expand, studies like Ferrada’s will play a vital role in optimizing performance and ensuring the sustainability of solar energy systems. For more information about Ferrada’s research and the University of Antofagasta, you can visit their website at University of Antofagasta.
