International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395 -0056

Volume: 03 Issue: 05 | May-2016 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Evaluation of Effect of Dust on Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cell

Santosh N. Dadas1, Prof. (Dr.) P.S. Patil2, Prof. N.N. Shinde3, Prof. M.M. Wagh4
1Research Student, Department of Energy Technology, Department of Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur,
Maharashtra, India
2 Professor and coordinator, School of Nano Science and Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra,

India
3Director, UES Energy Services Private Limited, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
4 Professor, Department of Energy Technology, Department of Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur,

Maharashtra, India

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Abstract - Rising demand on existing power system 2. OBJECTIVE
results in power shortage, so solar PV system is proven To evaluate effect of dust on polycrystalline silicon
solar cell and the transmissivity of the glass covered on solar
best in atmospheric conditions of region like India.
cell.
Efficiency and Fill factor of solar PV system are degraded
due to dust and similar pollutants. The accumulation of Effect of Dust accumulation on PV module
dust on the surface of a photovoltaic module decreases Generally solar power plants located on a very arid
the radiation reaching the solar cell and produces losses region that has frequent dust storms and dusty conditions.
in the generated power. Dust not only reduces the Deposits of dust on the surface of PV module blocks the solar
radiation on the solar cell, but also changes the irradiation from reaching cells through the glass cover. The
dependence on the angle of incidence of such radiation. density of deposited dust, its composition and particle
distribution, can have an impact on the power output and
This work presents losses caused by the accumulation of
current voltage and characteristics of PV modules. During
dust on the surface of photovoltaic modules and effect of the course of the study, it was observed that there is
dust layers on the transmissivity of PV module glass. atmospheric dust that scatters the solar radiation, in
addition to dust deposits on PV surface, which also blocks PV
module from direct solar radiation. The study concluded that
Key Words: Polycrystalline Silicon solar cell, Dust, I-V long period of PV module exposure to real outdoor
conditions gradually decreases power output if no cleaning
Characteristics of solar cell transmissivity of glass, Fill is performed to remove the dust.
factor.
What is Dust?
Dust is defined as the minute solid particles less
1. INTRODUCTION than 500 µm in diameter. Minute pollens such as bacteria
and fungi, and microfibers separated from clothes, carpets
The sun is probably the most important source of and fabrics are also known as dust when settled on surfaces.
renewable energy available today. Traditionally, the sun has Dust deposition is a function of various environmental and
provided energy for practically all living creatures on earth, weather conditions.
through the process of photosynthesis, in which plants
absorbs solar radiation and convert it into stored energy for 3. Experiment Methodology
growth and development. Scientists and engineers today In this study Lab level experiment was carried out
seek to utilize solar radiation directly by converting it into with polycrystalline PV module connected with Control
useful heat or electricity. Two main types of solar energy board (Ecosense) used for obtaining results.
systems are in use today: photovoltaic and thermal systems. The Specification of PV module is as:
There is a great deal of opportunity for using these systems Model: ELDORA 40, Manufacturer: Vikram Solar Pvt Ltd,
in the world but the problem is that the deposition of dust on Kolkata, India- 700001, Electrical Rating:
the solar panel. The deposited dust reduces the Rated Maximum Power (0 ~ + 4.99 Wp) (Pmpp) = 40 W, Open
transmissivity glass which is responsible for low absorption Circuit Voltage (Voc) = 21.90V, Short Circuit Current (Isc) =
of solar light by PV and hence reduces conversion ability of 2.45 A, Rated Voltage (Vmpp) = 17.40V, Rated Current (Impp) =
PV module. 2.30A, Area of PV Module: 38.1 cm X 64.08 = 2441.48 cm2 =
0.244 m2. Power specification is measured at standard test
condition, insolation 1000W/m2, AM 1.5, 25oC cell

© 2016, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 4.45 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 2781
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395 -0056
Volume: 03 Issue: 05 | May-2016 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

temperature. Simulator (Ecosense) comprises Ammeter,

Voltmeter, and Battery current.
In this research, indoor experiments are conducted
to evaluate the effect of dust on PV performance. The PV
module is tested using different dust elements. Since the
dust effect is considered geographically site dependent, it is
directly related to the local air pollution of the place where
the PV system is installed. The investigation was conducted
for different layers of dust separately. Single element of air
pollution is selected to investigate effects on PV module
performance based on experimental measurements. Red soil
is obtained from playground.
In order to determine the impact of red soil dust on
PV-panels performance, an experimental procedure is
carried out in order to compare the voltage output of the PV
module under different dust deposition conditions say, layer
1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, layer 5, layer 6. Layer wise dust Fig. 2 - Solar PV module Simulator
deposition also collected on glass slides for the testing of
transmissivity of glass. The experimental procedure was Effect of Dust on Transmissivity of Solar PV Module
carried out indoors and at least 10 measurements were glass
recorded within the time period examined. The experimental For checking transmissivity of glass one simple
analysis is conducted in the Renewable Energy Laboratory experiment is done with the help of Department of Physics,
located at the campus of the Department of Energy Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. The Slides
Technology, Department of Technology, Shivaji University, shown in figure is tested and the results of transmissivity
Kolhapur, Maharashtra India. with respect dust layers are tabulated. Transmissivity of
The dust deposition density “ΔM” is expressed in glass slides with respect to layer. Here, Glass without dust
“g/m2”, via the PV panel area “A”, as ΔM = Δm/A (1) Where was considered as a bare substrate or reference glass for
“Δm” is the total mass of dust layer on the surface of polluted finding transmissivity of glass with dust.
PV panel.
Experimental Apparatus
Experimental Procedure: One LED Torch (DL 05 B 1U), Radiation meter with
Playground soil is collected, Screened that soil using sensor and radiation indicator, Bare substrate glass and dust
300 microns screen to form the dust size particle, Layer 1 deposited glass slides viz. layer 1 to 6, Stand for fixing the
was sprayed by hand and took the I – V readings, Plotted I-V sensor and Glass Slides.
characteristics graph, Power calculated using I-V readings,
Same as (3, 4, and 5) Procedure was done for layer 2, layer 3,
layer 4, layer 5 and layer 6.

Fig. 3 – Glass slides layer 1-6.

Experimental Procedure:
First, position of torch and sensor kept fixed at
distance between sensor and flat surface 34 cm. Direct
exposure of light is noted down and i.e. 211 W/m2. After that
incident light of torch is passed through the bare substrate
(Glass without dust layer or reference glass) and exposure of
Fig. 1 - Clean solar panel and dust deposited solar panel light noted i.e. 203 W/m2 which is considered as 100%
transmittance. Step by step same procedure is carried out for
glass slides layer 1 – 6 and transmittance is calculated as
shown in graph.

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 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395 -0056
Volume: 03 Issue: 05 | May-2016 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Fig. 4 – Transmissivity Check experimental setup

Results
1. I-V Characteristics of Clean Solar Panel and Dust
layer up to 6.

Graph 3 – I-V characteristics of Dust layer 2 on solar panel

Graph 1- I-V Characteristics Clean solar panel

Graph 2 – I-V characteristics of Dust layer 1 on solar panel Graph 4 – I-V characteristics of Dust layer 3 on solar panel

© 2016, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 4.45 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 2783
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395 -0056
Volume: 03 Issue: 05 | May-2016 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Graph 7 – I-V characteristics of Dust layer 6 on solar panel

Graph 5 – I-V characteristics of Dust layer 4 on solar panel
2. Transmissivity glass slides which have same
properties of solar panel covered glass.

Graph 7 – Transmissivity v/s dust deposition density g/m2

Conclusion
Hence, Evaluation of effect of dust on Polycrystalline
Silicon Solar Cell is carried out by doing experiment on
indoor solar PV module and experimental data is tabulated
in terms Graphs. Dust deposited on the surface of the
Graph 6 – I-V characteristics of Dust layer 5 on solar panel Polycrystalline Silicon Solar cell reduces the transmissivity
of the glass hence reduced power generation capacity of the
Polycrystalline Silicon Solar cell.

© 2016, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 4.45 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 2784
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395 -0056
Volume: 03 Issue: 05 | May-2016 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

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