Review

Soiling mechanics of solar photovoltaics: A review

Volume: 11 Number: 3 May 16, 2025
  • Kudzanayi Chiteka
  • Christopher C. Enweremadu *

Soiling mechanics of solar photovoltaics: A review

Abstract

The widespread deployment of solar energy, while promising sustainable and renewable power generation, is affected by various factors, with soiling being a significant concern. This review provides an in-depth exploration of the complex mechanisms underlying the soiling of solar photovoltaic (PV) surfaces, which has become a pressing concern in the face of the rapid expansion of solar energy deployment worldwide. The deposition, accumulation, and detachment processes, including rebounding, resuspension, and cementation, are examined in detail, highlighting their interplay with various environmental factors and installation parameters. Emphasis is placed on the critical role of airflow dynamics, such as wind speed and direction, in influencing soiling rates and adhesion forces. Moreover, the impact of geographical location and climatic conditions on soiling mechanisms is thoroughly analyzed, considering factors like dust particle characteristics, surface roughness, and moisture content. Although research has advanced understanding, comprehensive studies integrating all soiling variables are still needed, highlighting the need for further investigation.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Engineering (Other)

Journal Section

Review

Authors

Kudzanayi Chiteka This is me
0000-0003-3697-5961
South Africa

Christopher C. Enweremadu * This is me
0000-0002-5455-2500
South Africa

Publication Date

May 16, 2025

Submission Date

April 25, 2024

Acceptance Date

August 4, 2024

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 11 Number: 3

APA
Chiteka, K., & Enweremadu, C. C. (2025). Soiling mechanics of solar photovoltaics: A review. Journal of Thermal Engineering, 11(3), 922-948. https://izlik.org/JA38JY87ZD
AMA
1.Chiteka K, Enweremadu CC. Soiling mechanics of solar photovoltaics: A review. Journal of Thermal Engineering. 2025;11(3):922-948. https://izlik.org/JA38JY87ZD
Chicago
Chiteka, Kudzanayi, and Christopher C. Enweremadu. 2025. “Soiling Mechanics of Solar Photovoltaics: A Review”. Journal of Thermal Engineering 11 (3): 922-48. https://izlik.org/JA38JY87ZD.
EndNote
Chiteka K, Enweremadu CC (May 1, 2025) Soiling mechanics of solar photovoltaics: A review. Journal of Thermal Engineering 11 3 922–948.
IEEE
[1]K. Chiteka and C. C. Enweremadu, “Soiling mechanics of solar photovoltaics: A review”, Journal of Thermal Engineering, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 922–948, May 2025, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA38JY87ZD
ISNAD
Chiteka, Kudzanayi - Enweremadu, Christopher C. “Soiling Mechanics of Solar Photovoltaics: A Review”. Journal of Thermal Engineering 11/3 (May 1, 2025): 922-948. https://izlik.org/JA38JY87ZD.
JAMA
1.Chiteka K, Enweremadu CC. Soiling mechanics of solar photovoltaics: A review. Journal of Thermal Engineering. 2025;11:922–948.
MLA
Chiteka, Kudzanayi, and Christopher C. Enweremadu. “Soiling Mechanics of Solar Photovoltaics: A Review”. Journal of Thermal Engineering, vol. 11, no. 3, May 2025, pp. 922-48, https://izlik.org/JA38JY87ZD.
Vancouver
1.Kudzanayi Chiteka, Christopher C. Enweremadu. Soiling mechanics of solar photovoltaics: A review. Journal of Thermal Engineering [Internet]. 2025 May 1;11(3):922-48. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA38JY87ZD

IMPORTANT NOTE: JOURNAL SUBMISSION LINK http://eds.yildiz.edu.tr/journal-of-thermal-engineering