Physical and chemical analysis of outdoor dust deposited on photovoltaic panels installed in Rabat

Dust deposited on photovoltaic panels in Rabat, Morocco, primarily consists of silica, alumina, iron oxide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, and potassium oxide, along with minerals like quartz, calcite, kaolin, and dolomite. These findings were derived from X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis (XF), Thermal Analysis, and Infrared Spectroscopy (IR). The study also examined how dust layer thickness affects the optical transmittance of glass and its impact on solar panel performance. Conducted at Rabat's RDI Solar Energy Platform, this research provides critical insights into the mineralogical composition of dust in an urban UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering implications for solar energy efficiency in similar environments.

Chaouki, F., Anana, W., Laarabi, B., Sebbar, M. A., Lotfi, E. M., El Mahi, M., Barhdadi, A., Dambrine, G., Menard, E., & Boardman, J. (2016). Physical and chemical analysis of outdoor dust deposited on photovoltaic panels installed in Rabat. 2016 International Renewable and Sustainable Energy Conference (IRSEC), 148–151. https://doi.org/10.1109/irsec.2016.7983995