Impact of Dust Accumulation on Photovoltaic Module Power Generation at a Photovoltaic Station in the Zhongwei Region

This paper aims to investigate the impact of dust accumulation on the power generation efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) stations in the Zhongwei region and propose optimized maintenance strategies. The study highlights that, with the growing global demand for clean energy, solar power, as one of the key renewable energy sources, plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental protection. However, the performance of PV modules is influenced by various environmental factors, among which dust accumulation represents a particularly significant challenge, especially in areas with frequent wind-blown sand activity. This research focuses on the Zhongwei region of Ningxia, located adjacent to the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert. By analyzing wind speed characteristics and dust accumulation patterns throughout 2022, it was found that cohesive soil particles form hard-to-remove adhesive dust layers on PV module surfaces, whereas sandy dust is relatively easier to remove. Experimental results indicate that within an 11-day period without cleaning, power generation losses due to dust accumulation can reach up to 5.47%. These findings carry important implications for optimizing operation and maintenance strategies for PV stations in Zhongwei and other regions with similar climatic conditions.