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Measuring dirt on photovoltaic modules [electronic resource].

Published:
Cambridge, Mass. : Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1979.
Oak Ridge, Tenn. : Distributed by the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, U.S. Dept. of Energy.
Physical Description:
Pages: 22 : digital, PDF file
Additional Creators:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology and United States. Department of Energy. Office of Scientific and Technical Information
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Summary:
Soil accumulation has been the most significant factor in the degradation of the output of photovoltaic modules used in experimental solar power generating systems. One method of measuring dirt accumulation and the subsequent power loss is to return photovoltaic modules to the laboratory for thorough examination. The use of a Glossmeter as a practical alternative to laboratory examination in making quantitative measurements of dirt accumulation on PV modules is described. Of particular value for in-situ measurements, this instrument has been used successfully to monitor dirt build-up on the front surfaces of several types of modules before and after cleaning. Surface gloss has been correlated with peak power and short-circuit current. It has also been used as an indication of the extent of dirt accumulation and the effectiveness of a cleaning process. Data obtained from Glossmeter readings taken on photovoltaic modules with over a year's exposure at photovoltaic field test sites in Nebraska; New York City; and MIT, Cambridge, are presented.
Report Numbers:
E 1.99:coo-4094-37
coo-4094-37
Subject(s):
Other Subject(s):
Note:
Published through SciTech Connect.
03/21/1979.
"coo-4094-37"
Murphy, E B; Forman, S E.
Funding Information:
EY-76-C-04-4094
View MARC record | catkey: 14797796