# Characterisation of Dust Particles Deposited on Photovoltaic Panels in the United Arab Emirates
## 1 Introduction
reported a PV power loss of up to 17% due to dust deposition on PV modules in Kuwait City after only six days of dust exposure [9]. Another study assessed efficiency losses in polycrystalline silicon modules due to industrial dust deposition. Various dust types from different industries were analysed, and outdoor experiments with covered and clean modules were conducted to compare performance. Efficiency loss, up to 64%, varied based on dust type, with coal dust having the highest impact due to its absorptivity. Finer dust particles showed greater efficiency reduction, and rising temperatures further deteriorated performance. The research highlights the significant economic implications of dust-induced power output drop in large-scale solar power plants [10]. Solar PV cell performance is influenced by factors such as dust, soiling, humidity, temperature, and wind, which can lead to significant power reduction of up to 60-70%. A previous study [11] examined these effects, presented advanced mitigation approaches, and proposed a comprehensive guideline to optimise solar PV cell performance, accounting for various environmental and operational challenges. In another study, [PERSON] et al. compares seven dust samples under varying radiation levels (650, 750, and 850 W/m\({}^{2}\)) and weights, revealing substantial reduction in solar PV system efficiency due to dust accumulation. The research confirms that even a thin layer of dust significantly diminishes power output, with the smallest particles blocking sunlight, leading to up to 60% efficiency reduction in desert regions with abundant sunlight potential [12]. The experimental evaluation of a PV module system was conducted under fixed and variable loads using five dust types indoors, with constant solar radiation of 600 W/m\({}^{2}\) by [13]. Notably, the load current reduction reached up to approximately 95.9%, with significant variations observed among different dust types and densities, impacting both load current and power, presenting crucial findings for system performance. Another study [14] explains that the efficacy of PV panels in electricity generation is notably hindered by the accumulation of dust, diminishing solar radiation that reaches the cells and shortening their lifespan through corrosion. The size, structure of deposited dust, environmental factors, and lack of removal schedules influence PV system efficiency. Innovative passive and advanced cleaning technologies offer efficient solutions, while interdisciplinary approaches involving physics, impact analysis, machine learning, and thermal conductive coatings can optimise solar-wind hybrid systems, ensuring sustained power generation and reduced loss due to dust deposition. The research in [15] analyses dust effects on solar PV stations in Sichuan's Ganzi region. SiO\({}_{2}\) and CaCO\({}_{3}\) are identified as primary dust phases, with unique trace elements like Rb, Y, and Sr. Microscopic examination reveals disorderly distributed nano- and micro-particles with pores. Computational simulations show uneven dust accumulation from back to front rows of PV panels. The findings provide insights for clean management of PV power plants in low latitude, high altitude plateau areas. The study in [16] investigates the impact of dust accumulation on PV modules at the American University of Sharjah, UAE, over a 15-week period in the summer of 2018. A custom setup collected dust samples from outdoor panels, and various analytical techniques were employed to characterise the dust's morphological and elemental properties. The results indicate that the dust particles are rich in carbon, oxygen, calcium, and silicon, suggesting the presence of silica and calcite. UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed a 30% decrease in transmittance after 15 weeks of soiling. The findings are crucial for developing effective self-cleaning techniques for PV modules in Sharjah. Another study by [4] in Doha, Qatar, investigated dust accumulation on PV panels over ten months.