As part of our ongoing commitment to innovation, Kipp & Zonen has partnered with the University of Jaén to create and interpret a comprehensive database for European dust profiles. While the energy output of a solar energy system is commonly associated with solar irradiance, environmental factors, and individual component performance, external factors such as dust can also significantly impact system performance. Dust and soiling can impair the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) modules, leading to power losses, increased temperatures, and decreased performance and lifespan.
A Cross-border Soiling Database for the Solar Energy Industry
To gain a deeper understanding of soiling in Europe and its differentiation across various geographic areas, we are creating a database that will support the solar energy industry in optimizing energy production forecasting, management, and maintenance. This valuable resource will also assist transmission and distribution system operators by analyzing the effects of dust on their operations.
We need your help in gathering data about the DustIQ sensors for this important research. The data collected will be used to study the impact of soiling on PV performance in different European locations. It’s important to note that the raw (timeseries) data will not be published or shared with third parties without your consent. The data will be securely stored in Google Drive under an institutional account, with access limited to the main researchers at the University of Jaén and OTT HydroMet. Contributors' data will be stored separately, ensuring that each participant can only view their own information.
The research findings will be published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal, featuring only the processed data to showcase the impact of soiling in multiple European locations. PV performance data will solely be used to validate soiling measurements, and absolute power values will not be included in the publication. All data will be retained for 3 years after the research concludes to address any inquiries from potential readers.
To contribute to this research, please complete our DustIQ Sensor Questionnaire by the end of 30th June 2023.
For more information, feel free to contact Álvaro Fernández-Solas at .
Thank you for considering sharing your valuable data with us and contributing to the advancement of solar energy research and technology. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the future of solar energy in Europe.