Design and Indoor Validation of 'DUSST': A Novel Low-Maintenance Soiling Station: Preprint

One of the most relevant concerns of photovoltaic (PV) systems today is the accumulation of dust - commonly referred to as 'soiling' - because it reduces the light that reaches the solar cells (1). This soiling has a significant impact on the energy delivered by PV modules, and hence, on the cost of solar electricity. Soiling losses have been investigated around the world and show a noteworthy dependence on site location. The annual soiling losses for the United States are within 0-6%, whereas in dustier regions, such as the Middle East, India, or China, these loses can reach peak values of up to 70%. These power drops cannot be directly translated into annual energy losses, but they can still lead to higher annual energy losses compared to those in the USA or Europe. In this sense, identifying soiling becomes essential for scheduling the most adequate cleaning strategy and maximizing the PV energy production, thus reducing the operating costs.