Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has introduced a project that studies the effect of an innovative method of robotic cleaning on solar photovoltaic (PV) modules in desert environments.

The first-of-its-kind project is being managed by the Institute’s Solar Consortium and showcases why QEERI is recognized as a global leader in PV research. Studies will provide real-world data on front-glass and possibly specific functional coatings abrasion using commercial products in field conditions and will help PV developers to predict and tailor their cleaning strategies for solar plants in desert regions.

As interest grows in the development of large solar power plants in Qatar and throughout the Middle East and North Africa, the project will also be of particular relevance to this emerging industrial sector.

One of the major challenges faced is the loss of daily energy due to the effects of soiling in desert environments. This is primarily because it requires dust and the cementing effect not being cleaned regularly, with data indicating higher soiling rates during winter in comparison to summer.

Initiated and led by QEERI, the Solar Consortium is an international collaboration focused on the research and testing of solar technologies for desert environments. Its co-founding members are DSM, Hanwha Q-Cells, KAHRAMAA, Nice Solar and Total. For its first research project, the consortium chose to study robotic cleaning.

Automated cleaning of large PV plants is becoming more common in desert regions, yet its effect on PV modules is not fully known. Key concerns include the amount of abrasion on anti-reflective coatings and the effect of cleaning frequency on abrasion.

Based at QEERI’s Outdoor Test Facility, the study required that approximately 50 commercial PV modules derived from the latest technologies be installed on a long fixed-tilt PV row. A commercial dry PV cleaning machine runs daily on half the row, and weekly on the other half. Additionally, small coupons with different coatings and reference modules with no machine cleaning are installed. Abrasion is measured by flashing in QEERI’s new PV Reliability Lab, and coupons are analyzed in the institute’s extensive Core Labs. Testing commenced in October 2020 and the data will be reported after one year when other modules or robots can be introduced.

“The great thing about the Solar Consortium’s abrasion project is that it provides real-world results. The modules, cleaning machine and testing environment are exactly those found in commercial PV plants in arid regions. The data will provide a valuable link between laboratory test standards and what really happens to module coatings in the field,” said Ben Figgis, Research Program Manager at QEERI’s OTF.

According to Veronica Bermudez, Senior Research Director of the Energy Center at QEERI, and Chairperson of the QEERI Solar Consortium, the results of this project is expected to have a big impact on both Qatar and countries with similar harsh environments, providing a potential solution for dusting or soiling when adopting PV technology.

Dr. Marc Vermeersch, Executive Director at QEERI, congratulated the team, stating, “Our mandate is to become a world-leading institute for energy, water and environment research and we are proud of our colleague's unrelenting commitment to this cause. This project will absolutely change the way that the world looks at PV, and we are thrilled to be at the forefront of research and development activities.”

“As things stand, QEERI has the second-highest number of publications related to PV and dusting/soiling after the United States’ National Renewable Energy Labs. I’d like to congratulate Dr. Ben Figgis and his team for this remarkable achievement.”

QEERI researches its various centers such as the Energy Center, Water Center, Environment and Sustainability Center, Corrosion Center, Natural and Environmental Hazards Observatory, and Earth Sciences Program to support Qatar in tackling its grand challenges related to energy, water and the environment as part of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

For more information on QEERI’s initiatives, please visit hbku.edu.qa/en/qeeri

---

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.

Instagram - @qatarliving

Twitter - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial