Influence of soiling layer on quantum efficiency and spectral reflectance on crystalline silicon PV modules

Jim Joseph John, Sai Tatapudi, Govindasamy Tamizhmani

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Reduction in transmittance of glass superstrate due to soiling on PV modules is studied by various groups throughout the world. However, the soil layer changes not only the irradiance level but also changes the spectral distribution of the incoming solar radiation. In this work, we have selected three solar cells within a commercial module covered with different thickness of soil layer. These soiled solar cells within a module are used to study the spectral reflectance and quantum efficiency changes at various wavelengths. Heavily soiled solar cell (∼74.6gm/m2) showed a very high reflectance loss and very low quantum efficiency at all wavelengths with respect to after-cleaning. The three soiled solar cells were then cleaned using three different cleaning techniques - 60psi compressed air clean, brush assisted 30psi compressed air clean and water cleaned. Short circuit current, spectral reflectance's and quantum efficiency's dependence on wavelengths is studied before and after each cleaning steps.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2014 IEEE 40th Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2014
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages2595-2599
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9781479943982
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 15 2014
Event40th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2014 - Denver, United States
Duration: Jun 8 2014Jun 13 2014

Publication series

Name2014 IEEE 40th Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2014

Other

Other40th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDenver
Period6/8/146/13/14

Keywords

  • PV modules
  • Soiling
  • photovoltaic cells
  • quantum efficiency
  • reflectance
  • silicon

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

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