Sign In / Sign Out
Navigation for Entire University
Soiling on photovoltaic (PV) modules is considered a major operations and maintenance cost factor for PV power plant owners. Soiling loss can be heavily influenced by various factors, such as tilt angle, site conditions or environment (urban, rural, agricultural), installation type (fixed vs. 1-axis) and season (dry, windy, humid or rainy).
ASU’s Autonomous Soiling Monitoring System wirelessly collects and records location and tilt-angle specific soiling loss information for PV plants without the need to have a connection to water supply or access to the electricity grid.
The Autonomous Soiling Monitoring System is capable of providing thirteen different ratios for data analysis and monitoring. Four of the ratios alone, contribute to the soiling loss factor (SLF) determination. This information serves as a tool to determine module cleaning frequency and best site-specific methodology of cleaning as well.