PV Module Soiling Spectral Deposition Detector

Soiling of PV modules leads to significant loss of energy and revenue, but routine cleaning is also costly. Therefore, there is a need for field-deployed soiling sensors, to enable PV system performance assessment and optimization of cleaning schedules. We propose to continue the development and evaluation of proprietary optical soiling sensor technologies disclosed in U.S. Patent Applications 62/652,955 & 62/690,086 filed by NREL, which are intended to provide low-cost, maintenance-free sensors. Our goal in Phase I is to determine the technical and commercial viability of the NREL technology. Using a combination of indoor and outdoor testing, we will address at least the following key technical points: light source stability, response to soiling particles with different optical properties, resilience to soiling of the sensor’s optics, and performance of the technology in outdoor environments.The commercial applications of the project include the possibility to provide low- cost accurate soiling measurements for PV power plants so they can optimize their operations. This will lower the cost of PV power generation and make it more widely available. Phase I will determine the viability of the technology and Phase II will commercialize the technology.