A Review on Dust Activities in Iran and Parameters Affecting Dust Accumulation on Photovoltaic Panels

Most of the regions with high solar potential for the development of photovoltaic systems are arid and deserted regions such as the Middle East and North Africa. In such regions, dust activities affect the output of photovoltaic panels critically. With the goal to investigate dust activities in Iran and the parameters affecting dust accumulation on the surface of photovoltaic panels, the current article conducted a comprehensive review of the related documents. Studies carried out in this regard, showed that in the recent years, the frequency and severity of dust activities in Iran have been significantly increased. The reasons for such changes and the main origins of dust activities in Iran were described in detailed. Furthermore, the physical and chemical properties of dust particles collected from the surface of panels in different regions were determined. Moreover, by reviewing the literature, the parameters affecting dust accumulation on the photovoltaic panels were categorized and the impact of each of these parameters were described in detail. The results of the current study can serve as a thorough reference for researchers, designers, and engineers in regions struggling with dust events.