Estimation of Photovoltaic Soiling Using Environmental Parameters: A Comparative Analysis of Existing Models

Soiling is the process where dust, dirt, and organic/inorganic contaminants accumulate on surface of a photovoltaic (PV) module. It impacts energy generation PV systems causes significant economic losses. can be monitored through soiling estimation models, which evaluate its impact depending number environmental parameters. The main focus this study to compare four existing models in Jaén, Spain, analyze their performance an environment different than that each them developed. results indicate all reproduce accurately seasonality if cleaning threshold 0.3 mm day?1 considered. models’ found influenced not only by mass concentration but also optical properties component atmospheric particulate matter, with overestimation up 4% high organic carbon periods. natural role rainfalls influence modeling error are discussed paper.