Effect of Dirt on Solar Photovoltaic Cell Performance in Umuseti, Kwale, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation into the effect of dirt on the performance of solar photovoltaic systems in Umuseti, Kwale, Delta State, Nigeria. The experiment used two separate 250 W monocrystalline solar panels in the Umuseti community near the Pillar Oil Flow Station and Energia Flow Station. One of the solar panels was left exposed to impurities, while the other was cleaned weekly to prevent dirt accumulation on its surface. This arrangement aims to study the impact of dirt accumulation on the power output of solar panels with and without impurities. Readings on the panels were taken regularly and recorded consecutively for one year (September 2023 – August 2024). The daily average voltage and power data were analyzed alongside the daily average percentage reduction in voltage and power efficiency. The results indicate that the climatic conditions of the environment (Umuseti, Kwale, Delta State) significantly influence the efficiency of the solar panels, both with and without cleaning. The highest voltage observed for the cleaned solar panel was recorded in November at 29.34 V, while the lowest was in August at 26 V. The cleaned solar panel produced an average daily power of 217 W, while the uncleaned panel generated a daily average power of 199 W. The daily average percentage reduction in power observed during the study was 48%. Results suggested that during periods of low or no rainfall (November 2023- April 2024), when solar intensity was high, higher voltage and power values were recorded compared to the low solar intensity period (May 2023- September 2024), which saw a gradual decrease in voltage output. Continuous cleaning is necessary; however, during the rainy season, regular cleaning is unnecessary, as rain naturally cleans the solar panel while also cooling it for maximum efficiency.