College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Electrical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Electrical Engineering
Date
3-2021
Primary Advisor
Dale Dolan, College of Engineering, Electrical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
This senior project aims to mitigate performance losses that occur in Photovoltaic (PV) systems due to soiling of the panels. Soiling is the natural occurrence of debris accumulation on panels, depending on local climate conditions. Soiling loss refers to efficiency lost due to dirt and dust accumulation on the panels. The debris reduces system output by shading on a smaller scale. In addition to uniform soiling, corner soiling is observed in framed modules as debris collects in the corners of the modules. While solutions currently exist to clean modules to mitigate soiling losses, these solutions are often expensive and time consuming. This project aims to provide a cost-effective way to minimize soiling losses and improve the performance of PV systems. Due to the lingering effects of COVID-19 the full scope of the proposed project was unable to be completed. Recommendations for further research are made based on the executed project.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/eesp/519