Expert's Opinion

NREL Scientists Studying Solar Try Solving Dusty Problem

Ongoing research at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory into the problem of PV “soiling” continues to work toward possible solutions.

Author Image

By: Anthony Locicero

Copy editor, New York Post

The layer of dust and pollen that settles on the windshield of your car is easily removed with a turn of the lever that activates wipers and water. Removing that layer from a solar panel—especially one inconveniently located from any source of moisture—requires considerably more work.   The accumulation of dust, soot, or other particulates causes a drop in the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) panels, which translates to a decline in the amount of power produced and lost income for their opera...

Continue reading this story and get 24/7 access to Ink World magazine for FREE


Already a subscriber? Sign in

Keep Up With Our Content. Subscribe To Ink World magazine Newsletters