A new report by the International Energy Agency’s Photovoltaic Power Systems Program (IEA-PVPS) reveals that lost revenue from the contamination of solar panel modules is several billion dollars annually. This loss will increase as the solar energy capacity increases.The cost of pollution exceeds 3 billion euros
The problem of contamination is still underestimated, where solar panels are covered with dust, dirt, sand or snow, thus allowing less sunlight. There are models that predict contamination-free glass coatings, automatic and manual cleaning products, and the most economical ways to use them. However, the income losses caused by the pollution caused by the solar panel systems are not to be underestimated.The report shows that contamination is largely a site-specific problem, and even different areas within a single site can see quite different conditions. According to the research, in 2018 alone, there was a loss of at least 3 percent to 4 percent in global annual solar energy production due to pollution. The cost of this loss is 3-5 billion Euros. Researchers emphasize that the correct analysis of the place where the solar panels will be installed and the application of the correct models are critical here.
On the other hand, a number of solutions such as antifouling coatings and optimized tilt angle also provide advantages against contamination. Likewise, autonomous robot systems developed to clean solar panels will also provide more benefits in the future.
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