MIMICKING SITE-SPECIFIC SOILING DYNAMICS AND CLEANING APPROACHES FOR PV PLANTS

This study presents a controlled multi-parameter testing protocol for simulating PV module soiling and cleaning using dust from the Atacama Desert and Southern France. A novel soiling-and-cleaning chamber replicates real-world deposition and removal processes, with PV performance assessed through IV characterization. Results show that anti-soiling and anti-reflective coatings significantly reduce optical losses, while encapsulant choice has minimal impact. Cleaning efficiency is maximized using soft-bristled brushes at high rotation speeds (68.2%), and desert cementation processes were successfully simulated, validating the accelerated testing method. These findings support optimized PV maintenance strategies and module design for enhanced energy yield in soiling-prone environments.