Soiling effect

PV systems' energy output deteriorates with soiling regardless of PV technology with

diverse order of magnitude.

To deal with the soiling issue in PV systems, mitigation techniques are essential to
remove dust deposits to ensure higher conversion efficiencies and, as such, improve
the economic viability of solar PV projects.

It was highlighted that power losses could reach up to 10% in semi-arid areas if
cleaning processes are not practiced
Mitigation approaches

The cleaning options for PV modules can be categorized into two classes Natural and
artificial techniques.

Natural cleaning explores rainfall, snow, wind, and gravity effects. Comparatively, rainfall is
more efficient than the other natural modes.
However, it is convenient to note that light rainfall may have a reverse effect because it
cumulates dust particles and, when striking the PV module, leaves them at the exposed
surface, which results in performance drops

Furthermore, wind speeds blowing at high rates can naturally clean PV modules. The
effectiveness of the cleaning is strongly dependent on the wind speed and direction as
well as the tilt and orientation of the considered PV plant. Similarly, low wind speeds can
cause additional deposits in the PV modules
Natural cleaning processes do not induce expenses but cannot be
scheduled or planned

In turn, artificial cleaning options need variable investments

depending on their nature and complexity.
They can be separated into
two main classes: manual cleaning, automated, and self-
cleaning
Heat management

The major part of solar irradiation received by PV modules is transformed not into electric
power but into heat.
Excess heat causes an increase in cell temperature, causing efficiency drops and giving
rise to long-term deterioration

Manufacturers provide PV module temperature coefficients (a negative

number), describing how cell temperature elevation affects output power.
Water spraying

Water cooling on the module surfaces was proposed as a promising

option to decrease cells’ temperature and improve electrical
efficiencies.

This method does not require structural changes in the module design
as the cooling process is external compared to water PV-T systems
PCM cooling

use of Phase Change materials allows absorbing excessive thermal

energy in PV panels, contributing to regulating their temperature and
improving conversion performance

The advantage of using PCMs is that a great amount of heat can be

dissipated from the PV module via the exploration of the PCM's
latent energy

Ideal PCM for cooling PV panel must have large latent heat of fusion,
high thermal conductivity, be chemically stable, non-corrosive, non-
toxic, melt temperature lying in the operating temperature of the PV
panel and minimum sub cooling
Heat pipes

Heat pipes are sealed thermal devices that can extract a significant
amount of heat within a small temperature change by exploring the
evaporation-condensation phase transitions. A heat pipe consists of an
evaporator and condenser section and employs an internal fluid such as
water, ammonia, methanol, and R134a refrigerant to extract thermal
energy
Radiative cooling

Radiative cooling is a passive technique that can be suitable for avoiding PV cells' high operating
temperatures. The silicon solar cell is still the dominant technical choice in the present PV market.
Physically, the bare silicon possesses a low-infrared emissivity, which means that the use of radiative
cooling presents a certain weakness.

The solution to this limitation is to integrate a transparent radiating cover on the top of solar cells. The
cover must have a high transmissivity of sunlight and high emissivity over the mid-infrared wavelength
band
Technological material indicated that the first-generation PV cells (monocrystalline and
polycrystalline) are suitable globally for varied applications and sizes for isolated grid-connected
large installations. Second-generation PV technologies require further research and
development to attain commercial and technical acceptance. Additionally, the raw material
availability, hazardous environmental issues related to the materials used, and storage are major
shortcomings behind second-generation PV cells growth. Finally, the third-generation cells are
still to go a long way to reach commercial and technological acceptance, as indicated by market
data and the prevailing prices of such cells per watt.

The efficiencies of crystalline Si, CdTe, CIGS, and Amorphous Si solar cells have reached 26.1%,
22.1%, 22.9%, and 14.0% invariably by 2018, respectively.
In reality, the PV panels and arrays efficiencies are lower than those in real applications.
Among other promising but still developing technologies is the perovskites cell, with a laboratory-
scale efficiency of 23.3%.
Deposition of dust particles on PV modules shades and blocks solar
radiation, and in some cases can induce radiation concentration,
resulting in module temperature rise and the likelihood of hot-spot
occurrence.

Thermal management of photovoltaic panels through appropriate heat

dissipation systems is beneficial in various utilizations since it positively
impacts efficiency, operating aspects, extends service life rate decreasing
accordingly operational and maintenance costs. However, the outcomes of
adding cooling to conventional photovoltaic modules include extra complexity
and price that must be weighed against the benefits gained.
neighboring PV modules
undergo different
interactions of wind on the
façade and experience
various operating
temperatures. This
phenomenon may impose
critical temperatures on
some modules and
jeopardize the safety of the
whole BIPV/T system