Output Power Loss of Photovoltaic Panel Due to Dust and Temperature

Abstract

Due to increase in power consumption and greenhouse problem all over the world, an alternative source is necessary for generating clean and environmental friendly electric power. In this regard, solar energy could be a good choice of power generation, since the cost of solar panels decreasing rapidly in the past few years.  Moreover, solar energy has also become more efficient as compared to other source of energy systems. The performance of solar photovoltaic (PV) panel depends on the incoming light to panel surface and it is governed by environmental parameters, mainly dust and temperature. Dust shading creates a barrier in the path of incoming sun light, which reduces the amount of sunlight falling on photovoltaic panel surface, and hence power output and performance of panel reduces significantly. The increase in temperature above maximum power point temperature results in power output loss of panel. This paper presents the phenomena of performance degradation of PV panel due to dust shading and temperature.