Experimental analysis of the effect of dust's physical properties on photovoltaic modules in Northern Oman

Six dust samples collected over three months from six locations in Northern Oman were investigated to evaluate their physical properties. Most of the dust particles (64%) diameters size ranged from 2 to 63 μm. The dust deposition on PV modules was found to vary from one location to another. The results indicated that there is no significant energy-yield loss caused by the low surface mass concentration of dust (<1 g/m2) on the PV module. The maximum daily efficiency loss was measured and compared with that from the literature, revealing that the efficiency loss was 0.05%, which is small compared to those of neighbouring countries. However, the results show a decline in the productivity of the PV module up to 35-40% after exposure to the weather conditions for more than three months, indicating that the advisable cleaning period, is every three months. Therefore, establishing PV systems at these sites is a reasonable option.