Effects of soiling on agrivoltaic systems: Results of a case study in Chile

Abstract

Soiling losses can potentially impact the economic viability of agrivoltaic systems, especially since agricultural activities raise dust directly underneath and besides the PV panels. To analyze the impact of soiling, we perform current-voltage curve measurements and observe the performance ratio of an agrivoltaic pilot plant in central Chile over six months in summer and autumn. Our findings show a significant impact of soling in energy generation and thus economic viability of an agrivoltaic system: Average daily soiling losses reach 0.35 %/day and the PR decreases to values as low as 40 % in summer months without precipitation or cleaning. This implies that research should investigate on the correlation of agricultural activity and soiling, as well as suitable cleaning methods and technologies for agrivoltaic systems.