The Effect of Dust Accumulation on PV Solar Output and Its Mitigation Measures

Oman and The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries classify as having a high potential of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). Meanwhile, the worldwide tend to diverse from oil to sustainable energies resources such as wind and solar resources. The production performance of RES depends on different aspects such as the type of PV material, system devices, and environmental aspects. The dust particles accumulative in the PV cell perform a thin screen reducing the solar radiation in the PV cells. Different forces affect the amount of dust deposit on the PV cells according to the dust shape, size, and weight. As per the geographical location of Oman, the weather conditions, and the PV solar system tilt angle, consider as main sources of dust deposition. Different cleaning methods are used such as forced airflow of air conditioning systems, water cleaning, manual cleaning, mechanical cleaning, etc. The duct deposition is considered the major element in the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) cost. The PV system in some conditions is considered a non-feasible option due to the high reduction in production and high O&M cost.