10th International Aerosol Conference
September 2 - September 7, 2018
America's Center Convention Complex
St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Abstract View

Using Low-Cost Particulate Matter Sensors to Monitor Photovoltaic Panel Soiling

SARAH TOTH, Michael Hannigan, Marina Vance, Michael Deceglie, Leonardo Micheli, Matthew Muller, University of Colorado Boulder

Abstract Number: 1704
Working Group: Control and Mitigation

Abstract
The deposition of ambient particulate matter (PM) onto the surfaces of photovoltaic (PV) modules can reduce power output by almost 50% in some locations [1]. Ongoing efforts to characterize this phenomenon, referred to as "natural soiling", have been primarily informed by existing EPA air monitoring stations that are often too geographically distant from the location of interest with respect to the known time scale of ambient PM deposition rates [2]. EPA monitoring stations also inform the sensitive public (i.e. the young, elderly, and asthmatic) of high-risk days due to PM. The goal of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of deploying low-cost PM sensors to inform the state of soiling in PV modules and to dictate cleaning schedules.

To achieve this goal, a low-cost, laser-based ambient PM sensor (DC1100 Pro, Dylos Corp.) has been calibrated and deployed along a PV soiling station consisting of a set of solar cells, one of that is cleaned daily and another that is not. This station was deployed along an air monitoring station managed by the Colorado Department of Environmental Health (CDPHE). The data is being continously collected and analyzed for accuracy with respect to the CDPHE station data and the potential for scaled-up deploymen. This work will allow PV cleaning maintenance to be informed by real-time, local data rather than the inefficient traditional regular intervals.

References
[1] Travis Sarver, Ali Al-Qaraghuli, Lawrence L. Kazmerski, "A Comprehensive Review of the Impact of Dust on the Use of Solar Energy: History, Investigations, Results, Literature, and Mitigation Approaches," Renew. Sust. Energy Rev. 2013; 22:698-733.
[2] Leonardo Micheli, Matthew Muller, "An Investigation of the Key Parameters for Predicting PV Soiling Losses" Prog. Photovolt: Res. Appl. 2017; 25:291-307.