Effects of sandblasting on the efficiencies of solar panels

Photovoltaic solar-energy can be a solution, if efficiently used, for providing electrification, water pumping and communications in inaccessible regions as in the south of Algeria. The glass protected solar panels made for these purposes are, however, constantly exposed to the damaging effects caused by sandstorms. These occur particularly in spring with velocities that can reach 120 km/h, and for various durations, typically ~48 h. The small particles of sand (of average size < 120 (mu)m) rise high into the atmosphere, and the relatively large particles (average size > 120 (mu)m) remain at lower altitudes and at ground level. This preliminary work considers the effects of the sandblasting duration on the efficiencies of solar panels. The results show that the solar panelsʹ efficiencies decrease during sandstorms, and some of these decreases are permanent when the protective glass sheets are damaged by erosion.