Cemented soiling on solar panels in hyper-arid regions can lead to significant energy losses, reaching up to 9.8% annually. An international research team has delved into this issue, focusing on the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, renowned for its extreme solar radiation. The study highlights a novel approach, shifting attention from non-cemented dust to cemented soiling, a growing concern in such environments. This type of soiling, bonded by moisture, organic material, or chemical reactions, is challenging to remove with simple cleaning methods, unlike non-cemented soiling, which is easily washed away by rain or mild cleaning. The research team's innovative methodology combines long-term monitoring in the Atacama Desert with controlled laboratory experiments, offering a comprehensive understanding of cementation processes. Outdoor tests were conducted at the Atacama Desert Solar Platform, while indoor tests utilized a custom environmental chamber. The findings reveal that soiling can significantly reduce power yield, with potential losses of up to 9.8% or $93,800 per MW per year. Dry cleaning, while effective, leaves behind residues that promote new cementation cycles. Wet cleaning, despite higher costs and water scarcity, is recommended for its effectiveness in restoring optical performance. The study's implications extend beyond the Atacama, providing a transferable approach to address cementation-driven soiling in arid and semi-arid regions, as solar energy hubs like the Atacama play a crucial role in Chile's and Latin America's renewable energy landscape.
