IEA PVPS has released a new joint Fact Sheet by Task 13 (Reliability and Performance of PV Systems) and Task 16 (Solar Resource for High Penetration and Large-Scale Applications), focusing on understanding, measuring, and mitigating soiling losses in PV power systems.
Soiling – the accumulation of dust, pollution, and biological debris on PV modules – is a leading cause of underperformance in solar installations worldwide. On average, soiling is responsible for 4–7% global energy losses, resulting in multi-billion-euro annual revenue losses for the PV industry.
The Fact Sheet provides a clear and concise overview of:
- Soiling impacts on PV performance – reduced energy yield, higher O&M costs, and greater uncertainty in production forecasts.
- Measurement and forecasting methods – from on-site monitoring with sensors to advanced modelling and machine learning approaches.
- Mitigation strategies – optimising cleaning schedules, selecting site-specific technologies, and integrating preventive measures during project design.
- Future challenges – the growing influence of climate change, with droughts, dust storms, and extreme weather events expected to worsen soiling risks.
By combining expertise on PV system reliability (Task 13) and solar resource assessment (Task 16), the Fact Sheet delivers practical insights for developers, operators, planners, and policymakers working to maximise the performance and resilience of PV systems in diverse environments.
