Effect of dust and rain on the performance of a photovoltaic system at more than 3800 m altitude

Solar energy as a sustainable energy resource has a positive impact on the generation of electricity through photovoltaic (PV) modules, however, due to the accumulation of dust on the surface of the PV module in these systems, performance is lost, damaging their energy performance. This research document determines the effect of dust and rain on the performance of a PV system at an altitude of more than 3800 m in the high Andean region of the city of Juliaca. The experimental comparison of solar irradiation and performance in two PV modules (without cleaning and with periodic cleaning) was carried out, determining the effect of dust deposition on the module surface and rain on the performance of the PV system under varied climatic conditions of the highlands. The results show that the capture of solar irradiation by the PV system on sunny days is affected by the accumulation of dust, reducing its performance by 3 %, increasing the temperature on the surface of the PV module. Finally, the performance of a PV module is due to sunny days, partially cloudy days with rain and the increase of particulate material on the surface of the module.