Work

Systematic review of soiling mitigation strategies for solar photovoltaic panels

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: One of the most important factors impairing the performance and dependability of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is soiling, which can result in efficiency losses of about 6–7% in a matter of months and more than 20–30% over extended exposure; reductions of up to 34% have been reported at dust loads of about 10 g/m 2 . In arid, humid, and urban settings, this systematic review examines soiling mechanisms and assesses mitigation strategies, emphasizing their performance recovery and technology readiness levels (TRLs). While manual and automated water-based cleaning restores 90–95% of power output and is commercially mature (TRL 9), it is constrained by water consumption and quality issues. Natural cleaning by rainfall can remove 70–90% of loosely deposited dust (TRL 9). Large-scale arid deployments can benefit from robotic dry-cleaning systems, which are fully commercialized (TRL 9) and achieve 90–99% dust removal with little to no water use. Under laboratory conditions, electrostatic and electrodynamic dust removal methods show up to approximately 95% recovery; however, they are still in the experimental stages (TRL 3–4), with difficulties in high humidity. Vibrational and ultrasonic cleaning techniques are in the early stages of development and offer about 60–70% efficacy (TRL 2–3). Hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and photocatalytic surfaces are examples of passive anti-soiling coatings that decrease dust adhesion and produce modest efficiency gains of 5–15% (TRL 4–6), but they have problems with long-term stability and durability. The review suggests next-generation multifunctional smart coatings that combine thermochromic cooling capabilities with superhydrophobic self-cleaning behaviour, backed by rainwater-harvesting recirculation systems for water-stressed areas. Overall, the results highlight the need for region-specific, cost-optimized hybrid strategies in order to maximize PV energy yield and ensure the long-term sustainability.

Source: Discover Sustainability

DOI: 10.1007/s43621-026-02820-x