Engineering

Power (physics)

Concentrated solar power

Physics

Solar power

Solar energy

Biology

Quantum mechanics

Photovoltaic system

Electrical engineering

Electricity generation

Environmental science

Arid

Paleontology

Environmental engineering

Joule

Clean collector surfaces are crucial for the performance of solar power generators. Soiling—the accumulation of dust and dirt on photovoltaic modules or mirror surfaces—significantly reduces the energy yield and is a major problem that is far from being solved. Within this study, the impact of soiling on global solar power generation is quantified for the first time. Furthermore, the effectiveness and economic feasibility of various soiling mitigation strategies are analyzed, and future research and development directions are indicated.

Techno-Economic Assessment of Soiling Losses and Mitigation Strategies for Solar Power Generation