Comparison of PV Panels and Non-Planar PV Surfaces in Terms of Pollution

Pollution on PV panels can be caused by several environmental factors, including Dust and Dirt, Accumulation of dust and dirt particles on the surface of PV panels can block sunlight from reaching the solar cells, reducing their efficiency. Airborne Pollutants, Industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and other airborne pollutants can settle on PV panels, creating a layer that inhibits the absorption of solar radiation. This is particularly significant in urban and industrial areas. Bird Droppings, Bird droppings can cause localized shading on the panel surface, significantly reducing the amount of sunlight absorbed. Salt Deposits, In coastal areas, salt from sea spray can accumulate on the panels, affecting their performance and potentially leading to long-term damage to the surface. Pollen and Organic Matter, in agricultural regions, pollen and other organic matter can gather on the panels, causing a similar effect to dust and reducing solar absorption. Smog and Pollution from Urban Areas in cities, smog and particulate matter can form a layer of grime that reduces the overall efficiency of PV systems. Snow and Ice can accumulate on the panels, obstructing sunlight and preventing proper functioning. While these are natural, they still contribute to reduced energy output during winter months. These pollution factors can reduce the overall efficiency of the PV panels by obstructing sunlight and potentially damaging the surface over time. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to mitigate these effects. In this study we discussed comparison of pollution effect for PV panels and non-planar PV surfaces.