A study on the effect of dust on the output of rooftop solar PV in the academic building of KUET Available to Purchase

This experimental study investigates the impact of dust accumulation on the performance of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. It evaluates the rooftop solar PV potential at the Academic Building of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) analysis. Over 2.5 months, data collected from clean and dusty panels reveal a cumulative efficiency loss of 4.478%, with weekly losses fluctuating between 0% and 4.617%. Maximum power and current losses between clean and dusty PV modules are observed to be 4.078% and 4.062%, respectively, as determined by P-V and I-V characteristic curves. Additionally, 11 weeks of data collection, including a rain event during weeks 7-8, provide insights into the dynamic nature of dust accumulation. GIS analysis of the Academic Building at KUET estimates a total rooftop solar PV potential of 458.76 MWh, accounting for a total power loss of 20.54 MWh due to dust annually. Recommendations include enhancing dust mitigation strategies, optimizing solar PV system design, and implementing supportive policies to maximize solar energy utilization in dusty environments.