Assessing the Features of PV System’s Data and the Soiling Effects on PV System’s Performance Based on the Field Data

Abstract

This paper assesses the features/characteristics of a photovoltaic system’s data, investigates the relationship between the soiling and solar panel performance, and leverages real-world data obtained from a solar site in Shams Solar Facility located at the German University of Technology in Oman. Through an experimental approach, different parameters were scrutinized to unravel the dynamics at play. Due to the lack of studies on how to assess the features of a PV System’s data, and in order to model the PV System’s data, extensive analyses were conducted based on a big dataset containing 36,851 observations of each parameter (environmental factors) of the study. In addition, diverse environmental factors, operational conditions, and the collected data were analyzed by various mathematical/statistical measures, and inferential statistical measures were applied to obtain accurate and significant results that explain the level of each parameter (environmental factors), and are developed to examine the features/characteristics and performance of PV Systems and reveal the influence of soiling accumulation on the energy output. The research findings do not only deepen the understanding of the features of PV Systems data and the impact of soiling on solar panels, but also underscore the significance of considering geographical and climatic variations. This research contributes significantly to advancing knowledge within the realm of solar energy systems and provides actionable insights for optimizing the performance and reliability of PV installations in real-world settings. The discussion, conclusions, limitations, and future directions have been discussed.