Soiling Dynamics and Cementation in Bifacial Photovoltaic Modules Under Arid Conditions: A One-Year Study in the Atacama Desert
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Soiling is one of the main performance risks for bifacial photovoltaic (PV) technology, particularly in arid environments such as the Atacama Desert, where dust is deposited asymmetrically on the front and rear surfaces of the modules. This study evaluates one year (July 2022 to June 2023) of soiling behavior in bifacial modules installed in fixed-tilt and horizontal single-axis tracking (HSAT) configurations, enabling a comparison to be made between static and moving structures. The average dust accumulation was found to be 0.33 mg/cm2 on the front surface and 0.15 mg/cm2 on the rear surface of the fixed modules. In contrast, the respective values for the HSAT systems were found to be lower at 0.25 mg/cm2 and 0.035 mg/cm2. These differences resulted in performance losses of 5.8% for fixed modules and 3.7% for HSAT systems. Microstructural analysis revealed that wetting and drying cycles had formed dense, cemented layers on the front surface of fixed modules, whereas tracking modules exhibited looser deposits. Natural cleaning events, such as fog, dew and frost, only provided partial and temporary mitigation. These findings demonstrate that bifaciality introduces differentiated soiling dynamics between the front and rear surfaces, emphasizing the importance of tailored cleaning strategies and the integration of monitoring systems that consider bifacial gain as a key operational parameter. These insights are crucial for developing predictive models and cost-effective O&M strategies in large-scale bifacial PV deployments under desert conditions.
Source: Energies
DOI: 10.3390/en18184999
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Funders: Corporación de Fomento de la Producción, European Commission, Universidad de Antofagasta, Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo, Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica, Agencia Estatal de Investigación, Fondo de Financiamiento de Centros de Investigación en Áreas Prioritarias
Awards: G1228361519, G1561925909, G2262748287, G2316851168, G2415915735, G2571129017, SOLAR ENERGY RESEARCH CENTER, G2936460021, G3480869486, G351915482, G3578004256, G35854307, G3681454997, G4042783231, G425668148, G4845049317, G5080475149, G6292613602, G6478348506, GLASS NANOPATTERNING FOR SELF CLEANING PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES, G7069466692, G7084143925, Enhanced Solar PV performance through improved research infrastructure for adapted climate conditions
OpenAlex ID: W4414350293