POWER LOSS MONITORING OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES AT QUAID-E-AZAM SOLAR POWER PARK BY OUTDOOR SOILING STATION

Abstract

The accumulation of dust on the glass surfaces and frames of photovoltaic (PV) modules in arid and semi-arid regions significantly reduces their efficiency, leading to considerable power losses. This study evaluates the impact of soiling on PV modules using an outdoor soiling station at Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power Park in Pakistan. Over a one-month period, the power output of regularly cleaned and naturally soiled modules was continuously monitored, revealing power losses of up to 17% due to dust accumulation. To mitigate these losses, bi-weekly cleaning schedules were implemented, restoring energy generation efficiency. Additionally, optimizing tilt angles reduced soiling-related losses by approximately 50% for non-horizontal panels, demonstrating the importance of module positioning in minimizing dust accumulation. The research further highlights automated cleaning systems as a scalable and efficient alternative to manual cleaning, ensuring consistent performance and long-term reliability in dust-prone environments. These findings offer practical insights for optimizing solar PV performance, developing cost-effective maintenance strategies, and enhancing the sustainability of solar power systems in arid regions.