From: Team 3 (Farah Saba, Mohamed Bakri, Siddhant Rao, Marilyn Bou Jauode, Mohamed

Elrayeh)

ENGL 210
Dr. Mary Queen
Problem Solution Final Draft
Due Date: 20 April 2023

Abstract
This report aims to analyze the problem of the negative impact of dust accumulation on solar panels in
Qatar to find the best solution to solve the problem. The aim of the solution is to make solar panels more
efficient in power generation so Qatar would invest and implement solar energy instead of relying mainly
on the use of Natural Gas. A decision criteria was created to decide which solution was the best suited for
the problem with the following criteria: power efficiency, environmental sustainability, cost, and feasibility.
Through research, three possible solutions were found, mechanical cleaning using water, adjustment of
tilt angles for solar panels, and anti-soiling coatings. According to our decision criteria, Anti-soiling
coatings were the most preferred solution.

1. Introduction
Energy is crucial for societies to function, but in the state of the world now, energy sources are based on
non-renewable sources. Energy sources such as natural gas, oil, and coal contribute to rising greenhouse
emissions, mainly carbon dioxide and methane (“Overview of Greenhouse Gases,” 2015). These
emissions occurring at a grand scale may have disastrous consequences for the planet’s wellstate due to
the rapid increase in the rate of climate change (Abbass et al., 2022). Hence, it is imperative for countries
to start investing in renewable energy and utilizing sources that are sustainable; therefore, not harming
the environment as well as being affordable. The State of Qatar has stated that one of its goals outlined in
its 2030 National Vision is to promote economic development while protecting the environment (“Qatar
National Vision 2030,” 2022). The country's climate has a high solar irradiation level and vast inhabited
land, which are factors to be the best contender to increase the use of solar power (Javed, Wubulikasimu,
Figgis, & Guo, 2017).

Figure 1: Qatar’s Power Grid (Ritchie, Roser, & Rosado, 2022)

As can be seen in Figure 1, Qatar uses solar power to produce 0.20% of Qatar’s electricity (Ritchie,
Roser, & Rosado, 2022), which is a relatively low number considering the country has high solar radiation.
Moreover, while researching disincentives to the government and energy sector to increase the use of
Solar technology, the main issue was dust accumulation on solar panels, a prevalent problem in Qatar
due to its desert climate. This leads to solar power generation being less economically viable and
effective at generating electricity to power the country.

The ideal area for a solar panel to be most efficient is in a vacuum, where humidity and dust would not
affect the efficiency of the solar panel (Gupta, Chauhan, Maity, & Nanda, 2020). However, Qatar has both
of these factors as it has a desert climate, being in the Middle East which has the dustiest climate in the
world (Ghazi, Sayigh, & Ip, 2014). Additionally, it is very humid, ranging from 32% in the cooler months to
96-100% during late summer and early fall (“Qatar Geography,” 2024). Adding to the factors mentioned
earlier, temperature and soiling, which is the act of dirtying a surface with dirt or other wastes, reduce the
effectiveness of solar panels by dwindling the solar energy received by the panels (Ilse, Figgis, Naumann,
Hagendorf, & Bagdahn, 2018). Dust on solar panels can also lead to a reduction in its lifespan as it
damages the solar panels (Nezamisavojbolaghi et al., 2023). When a solar panel is left unclean for 30
days, performance is reduced by 50%, which is a significant drop in efficiency and total power generation
(Nezamisavojbolaghi et al., 2023). The impact becomes more significant as more dust accumulates on
non-cleaning Photovoltaic (PV) cells, causing their efficiency to drop from 16% to 8% (Kazem &
Chaichan, 2019). In addition, certain elements that lead to soiling can block some cells, thus creating hot
spots, which are localized areas on a solar panel where excessive heating occurs (Nezamisavojbolaghi et
al., 2023), leading to greater panel degradation and weakened reliability. Overall, it has been found that
light transmittance for some samples in the Arabian desert in Saudi Arabia found that the light
permeability was reduced to 84% due to dust (Kazem & Chaichan, 2019).

Dust accumulation in Qatar could be attributed to the nature of the dust particles, location, operational
conditions, and climate. Dust particles can decrease the amount of energy produced as it has been
proven that they can reflect more than 70% of the sun’s radiation that reaches the panel depending on the
type of particle and its chemical constituents (Drame et al., 2021). Based on research in Qatar, the
accumulation of small-size particles causes greater degradation than large-scale particles because the
small particles are distributed more regularly on the surface of the PV cells and thus the surface area
becomes larger than the coarse molecules (Kazem & Chaichan, 2019). Another crucial factor is the
location of the panels due to the amount of particles and air pollution they are exposed to. In hot and
desert areas, the primary source of dust is the soil, while in cities the dust originates from sources such as
engine exhaust, construction materials, and emissions from power plants (Kazem & Chaichan, 2019).
Another factor that should be taken into account is the conditions under which the solar panel is
operating, the type of panel, its tilt angle, and maintenance and cleaning factors. As the angle changes, it
changes the size of the exposed surface area; moreover, if a panel is horizontal, it has the maximum dust
accumulation due to its ability to hold on to the dust that gets displaced onto the panel due to wind and
other natural causes and in effect, it is difficult for the wind to remove it off the panel’s surface (Ghazi,
Sayigh, & Ip, 2014). The type of panel affects its performance, the exposure of the panels in Qatar led to
the power efficiency of Monocrystalline panels deteriorating by around 10% for a dust exposure of 100
days only (Touati, Massoud, Hamad, & Saeed, 2013). The climate of the region plays an important role in
the accumulation of dust on solar panels. Qatar has high sedimentation and low wind speeds resulting in
dust accumulation (Kazem & Chaichan, 2019).

Hence, this paper will assess solutions that could be implemented in Qatar that address the factors
leading to dust accumulation. Additionally, it aims to provide insight into viable solutions that could
increase solar panel efficiency and make them more economically appealing to utility companies,
ultimately promoting greater adoption.
2. Methodology
To find the most effective solution to dust accumulation’s impact on solar panels, we have utilized various
research methods including both primary and secondary research. Through that, we developed the
criteria for evaluating our solutions from various aspects to find the most optimal solution for Qatar.

2.1 Primary

To fully grasp the impact dust accumulation has on solar panels in Qatar, an interview was conducted with
ECEN faculty member, Dr. Selma Awadallah, allowing us to gather firsthand information from a
professional in the field. Dr. Selma Awadallah’s field of work aligns with our topic as she is currently
researching the integration of renewables into transmission networks. Through the interview, we were
able to gain a greater insight into renewable energy. It was emphasized that Qatar has a goal, as stated in
Qatar’s 2030 Vision (“Qatar National Vision 2030,” 2022), to utilize its sunny climate to generate electricity
through technology such as solar panels (Awadallah, 2024). However, their cost of maintenance is a
significant barrier to entry, stemming from dust accumulation (Awadallah, 2024). Therefore, there would
not be an incentive to switch from Qatar’s reliance on natural gas and shift to renewable sources.

2.2 Secondary

We have conducted thorough research through viewing government websites and non-government
organizations (NGO), in addition to reading many scholarly articles in databases. The TAMU Library
Database was our source of scholarly articles, which were related to the countries in the Arabian Gulf as
well as other Arabian countries that experience a similar climate that causes dust accumulation. From all
the databases that were found, Science Direct provided the most articles and books related to the topic;
however, other articles were used that were found using other sources. To ensure that the scholarly
articles were as credible as possible, we have only selected those that were peer-reviewed and relatively
recent.

2.3 Solution Requirements

We have devised the following requirements to assess the solutions.

2.3.1 Environmental Sustainability

Our solution’s main focus is to increase the amount of solar panels used to generate electricity, increasing
sustainability. Hence why the solution must be eco-friendly and its resources should be available in Qatar.

2.3.2 Cost

Our solution must be able to improve the performance of solar panels without adding a significant
investment outweighing the profit generated through implementing it, to ensure it is used by companies
such as Kahramaa.

2.3.3 Feasibility

Our solution must be easily implementable for it to be truly viable. By being easily implementable, it is
inferred that the solution cannot require a significant change to solar panels or the infrastructure of Qatar
to make the solution appealing. It must also rely on currently existing technologies and practices.
2.3.4 Power Efficiency

Our solution should be able to generate enough electricity to be a competitive alternative, or, in other
words, efficient, compared to its nonrenewable counterparts, such as natural gas.

3. Results

3.1 Mechanical Water Cleaning

There are two ways that the mechanical water cleaning solution works, either manually or using an
automated system. It is debated which is better, but we chose the manual water cleaning system because
it is more precise due to human precision being able to target dust particles. A high-pressure water jet
machine is maneuvered along the panel to remove the dust and other substances accumulated, cleaning
the panel (Pickerel, 2015). This solution is very effective for PV panels covered with tempered borosilicate
glass; however, for PV panels covered with glass that has minimal reflectivity and aids in light absorption,
alternative effective cleaning methods are required (Nezamisavojbolaghi et al., 2023).

3.2 Adjusting Tilt Angle

Though the angle could pose a problem as stated before, it could be used to our advantage and be a
solution. By varying the tilt angle of the Photovoltaic panels, it could mitigate the amount of dust
accumulated. A study in Saudi Arabia found a relationship between the accumulation of dust and the tilt
angle of the PV cells, hence the panel can be adjusted in an increased cell tilt angle in a way that ensures
a decrease in the amount of accumulated dust (Kazem & Chaichan, 2019). After further research, it was
found that the ideal angle is past 45 degrees as it will not cause dust accumulation on the solar panel due
to gravity, increased exposed surface area, or other factors (Yang & Wang, 2024). Additionally, to ensure
maximum efficiency, the solar panel’s angle should be readjusted constantly to capture maximum sunlight
throughout the year. This will be possible by implementing tilt ability to the Solar panel. Different seasons
require different angles to maximize power efficiency, the angle is at its minimum during the winter, middle
during spring, and maximum during summer (Salih, 2023)​​. To implement this solution, a motorized mount
would be set up below the solar panel to adjust the tilt angle accurately, thereby mitigating dust
accumulation.

3.3 Anti-Soiling Coatings

Anti-soiling coatings are treatments that can be applied to photovoltaic cells to reduce the effect of soiling
which reduces energy production of solar panels.
Figure 2: Illustration of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic coatings (Somasundaram & Kumaravel, 2019)

The two main types of coatings are hydrophobic and hydrophilic coatings. A hydrophobic coating creates
a water-repellent layer on the panel, which causes water droplets to roll off the surface removing dust and
other contaminants in the process. The process relies purely on the kinetic energy of the water droplets
trickling on the solar panel to exhibit a self-cleaning effect (Hossain, Ali, Benito, Figgis, & Aïssa, 2022). It
is important to note that this water does not have to be provided to the panel manually or through rainfall,
moisture that results from high levels of humidity is enough for the cleaning effect to take place.
Hydrophilic coatings, as the name implies, attract water to the surface of the panel. As the water spreads
across the surface, it breaks up the contaminants and washes them away. Due to their lack of reliance on
water availability and general efficiency, the potential of hydrophobic coatings in dry regions has recently
attracted considerable interest. Hydrophilic coatings excel in regions with greater rainfall or humidity such
as coastal regions, whereas hydrophobic coatings are more suitable for operation in dry regions such as
deserts.

4. Analysis

4.1 Mechanical Cleaning using Water

Mechanical cleaning using water was not the preferred solution as it failed to comply with all of the
decision factors.

4.1.1 Environmental Sustainability

It is not environmentally sustainable as water is a scarce resource in Qatar due to its climate. Water is not
readily available, and Qatar is suffering from extreme water stress and water insecurity (AAAS Custom
Publishing Office, n.d.). This is without considering the water that would be lost during the use of the
water jets, due to evaporation and other losses, causing additional use of water.
4.1.2 Cost

It isn’t cost-effective as this solution requires water and is labor intensive, both resulting in high costs.
Water is not readily available in Qatar as it is a scarce resource. As for the projects funded by Kahramaa,
Qatar’s electricity and water distribution company, storing water in the reservoirs needed for citizens until
2026 ended up being nearly 4 billion dollars (AAAS Custom Publishing Office, n.d.). In countries like
Saudi Arabia the cost of one liter of water is roughly three times that of a liter of petrol (Ghazi, Sayigh, &
Ip, 2014). Considering additional water is required, the factor of using water would automatically not make
it cost-efficient. This does not take into account the cost of the damages the water jets inflict as scratches
on the panels (Nezamisavojbolaghi et al., 2023). On top of that, the solution is not self-cleaning, so it is
very labor-intensive as it requires regular maintenance and manual cleaning.

4.1.3 Feasibility

The solution is feasible as it can be implemented without changing the solar panels. All that is done is use
water to clean the solar panel itself, making it more effective. The only thing required to purchase are the
jets, but they could be used as much as needed, as it is a one-time investment, unless they are damaged,
and their frequency can be adjusted depending on how much dust is accumulated (Nezamisavojbolaghi
et al., 2023).

4.1.4 Power efficiency

Using water to clean solar panels has been proven to increase its efficiency by 15% (Nezamisavojbolaghi
et al., 2023). It helps the panel absorb more solar energy than the dust was blocking, with the added
benefit of the flow of water decreasing the temperature on the panel, which helps with solar power
absorption (“How Does Temperature Affect Solar Panel Energy Production?” 2021).

4.2 Adjusting Tilt Angle

Adjusting the tilt angle was not the preferred solution as it failed to comply with all of the decision factors.

4.2.1 Environmental Sustainability

This solution is environmentally sustainable as the implementation does not require the use of scarce
resources. It only requires the maintenance of a motor and hinge used to implement the tilt angle which is
a one-time investment. These parts can be repurposed as the technology currently exists and is readily
available in Qatar.

4.2.2 Cost

It is overall cost-effective due to the reduced power cost when the tilt angle is optimized. Through
research, we found that there was an overall decrease in power cost when the tilt angle was optimized
compared to being fixed. For example, in Tantan, Morocco, there was a decrease in average monthly
power cost ($ per Watt) when the tilt angle was optimized, going from 4.94 to 4.72 (Osmani, Ramadan,
Lemenand, Castanier, & Haddad, 2021). This is relevant as Tantan has similar geographical features to
Doha, both having a similar latitude and being subtropical deserts. Additionally, by being automated there
would be no cost on labor for manual tilting. This shows the implementation of an optimized angle can
decrease the cost of power generation, fulfilling the criteria.
4.2.3 Feasibility

It is feasible to implement as it is a solution that can be installed onto existing panels. The panels
themselves would not be changed, the base would only require an additional mount causing them to be
tiltable.

4.2.4 Power Efficiency

The criteria for Power efficiency is not fulfilled due to the conflict between the ideal angle for the mitigation
of dust accumulation and the optimized angle for maximum power efficiency, which is necessary to
increase energy efficiency from the sunlight (Kim, Han, & Lee, 2020). As discussed earlier, the problem of
dust accumulation is mitigated past an angle of 45 degrees (Yang & Wang, 2024). This can conflict with
the angle of maximum power efficiency during a season like winter where the optimized angle is lower.
Therefore, one factor will be compromised when favoring the other, leading to an overall decrease in
power efficiency. Without the optimized tilt angle for maximum efficiency less energy efficiency. On the
other hand, if there is more dust accumulation, it can lead to a significant decrease in power efficiency
(Oh, Figgis, & Rashkeev, 2020).

4.3 Anti-soiling Coatings

Anti-soiling Coating was the preferred solution as it complies with all of the decision factors.

4.3.1 Environmental Sustainability

Firstly, both hydrophilic and hydrophobic coatings are made from environmentally friendly materials that
do not result in pollution. In addition, the materials required are available in Qatar. Therefore, it does not
require the use of scarce resources, unlike other nonrenewable forms of generating energy such as
natural gas.

4.3.2 Cost

The essence of finding a suitable solution is to provide a viable alternative to electricity providers such as
Kahramaa. Keeping that in mind, as the electricity generated increases, the revenues are significantly
increased, especially when considering large-scale solar farms. In fact, solar panels with anti-soiling
coatings returned over $1 million in revenue when used on a large-scale solar farm (Walz, Hoege,
Duensing, Zeltner, & Anderson, 2023). However, the power generated by the panels also provides returns
even on a smaller scale. In Madison College’s Traux campus, the panels installed on the campus’
rooftops with the same gain saved over $6000 a year (Walz, Hoege, Duensing, Zeltner, & Anderson,
2023). As the college is located in Wisconsin in the United States, the climate in Qatar is sunnier
throughout the year, leading to the panels capturing more sunlight and therefore generating greater
revenue. The coatings help to save costs in terms of maintenance as they would not need to be cleaned
very often, which is applicable for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic coatings. In addition, as they rely on
water/humidity to remove dust, they would only require occasional maintenance, further reducing the cost.

4.3.3 Feasibility

One significant advantage of the anti-soiling coatings is that they can be applied on currently existing
solar panels. The solar panels would be removed temporarily to apply the coating before being returned
and leaving them to function normally. Most importantly, the coatings are derived from currently existing
technology that is applied to a much smaller scale, making them readily implementable on bigger scales
such as in solar farms.

4.3.4 Power Efficiency

Regarding electricity generation, the coating allows the panels to operate at a much greater efficiency as
it reduces dust accumulation. One concern with applying layers of anti-soiling coatings is their possibility
to harm power generation by limiting the amount of light that gets to the photovoltaic cells. However, that
is simply untrue as stated on the website, “A general conclusion can be drawn from the presented
literature review that glass transparency is not impacted, irrespective of if such a coating is hydrophilic or
hydrophobic” (Rudnicka & Klugmann-Radziemska, 2021). Dust is one of the most significant barriers and
hinders the panel from performing at its maximum capabilities, especially in a desert environment such as
Qatar. Of course, the power efficiency of the panel with the coating is certainly related to its cost
efficiency. As mentioned earlier, the cost must be kept at a minimum, but to do so would require the
coating to aid the panel in performing at a greater efficiency to justify the investment. The additional
electricity would add up depending on the scale of the panels’ implementation. For instance, the coating
results in approximately a 3% gain in electricity generated (Walz, Hoege, Duensing, Zeltner, & Anderson,
2023), which adds up to a significant revenue gain.

5. Discussion of Recommendations
Thorough and extensive analysis of potential solutions to the problem of dust accumulation on solar
panels has led to one conclusion: anti-soiling coatings are uniquely suited to tackling this challenge in
Qatar.

The use of hydrophobic and hydrophilic coatings to alter the physical properties of a surface enables a
cleaning effect that reduces accumulated dust, ultimately improving power generation. The versatility of
this solution separates it from others and makes it vastly more appealing to utility companies operating in
challenging environments such as Qatar. The type of coating can be selected to fit the conditions in the
operational location of the solar panels. Furthermore, these coatings do not require fundamental changes
in the current infrastructure, solar facilities that have already been deployed can still be retrofitted with
anti-soiling coatings at minimal cost. The objective behind implementing any solution would be to increase
the economic appeal of solar power to attract greater investment and expedite adoption, much in the
same way that most technological advancements have gained considerable market share. The solution’s
relatively low cost along with its significant positive impact on power generation allows operators to
recoup their investment cost in a short period of time. Not to mention the other benefits which include
reduction in maintenance costs and increased durability of solar panels. Overall, our belief is that applying
anti-soiling coatings is the most viable solution for this pressing problem.
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Appendices

Interview Questions

● How viable is solar power as an energy source here in Qatar?

● What barriers do you see to the adoption of solar energy?
● We are focusing on the accumulation of dust on solar panels and the associated maintenance,
are there any innovative solutions in this field that you believe could help with this problem?
● Would finding a cost-effective solution help increase the adoption of solar power here in Qatar?