Soiling losses of utility-scale PV systems in hot-dry desert climates: Results from four 4-16 years old power plants

J. Mallineni, K. Yedidi, S. Shrestha, B. Knisely, S. Tatapudi, J. Kuitche, G. Tamizhmani

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

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the soiling losses in a hot-dry desert climatic condition. The results obtained highlight the soiling losses in four power plants with two different surroundings (urban and rural) and three different installation types (ground mount - fixed tilt, 1-axis tracking and rooftop - fixed tilt). The data obtained from this study can be used in the energy estimation models and to determine if cleaning is an economically viable option for the power plant owners of these locations. In this study four PV power plants aged between 4 and 16 years have been investigated and the key results obtained in these four sites are: Site 3 (Glendale, Arizona) - rural, 1-axis tracking, 12 years, 6.9% soiling loss; Site 4b (Mesa, Arizona) - urban, horizontal tilt (ground), 16 years, 11.1% soiling loss; Site 4c (Mesa, Arizona) - urban, 1-axis tracking, 4 years, 5.5% soiling loss; Site 6 (Tempe, Arizona) - urban, 5o fixed tilt (rooftop), 8 years, 3.8% soiling loss.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2014 IEEE 40th Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2014
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages3197-3200
Number of pages4
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

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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

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