DEWA organises 2nd workshop on Soiling Effect on PV Modules, in cooperation with NREL
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has recently organised a second workshop on the effect of soiling on photovoltaic (PV) modules, in cooperation with the United States Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). PV experts from research, academic, and government organisations participated in the workshop held in Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The 3-day workshop exchanged best international practices in combating the effect of soiling on PV modules and their performance. It discussed PV module maintenance and operation, studies that should be conducted, and solutions to face this issue. These include installing sensors and special devices to measure dust volume, regular cleaning of the panels, and using special coating that protect the panels from dust. The workshop also reviewed dust movement, specifications of dust particles, ways to mitigate their effect, experiences from different countries around the world, and characteristics of the region’s climate.
“DEWA gives priority to innovation in sustainability, renewable energy, and photovoltaic technology, and promotes Research and Development (R&D) in clean energy. This supports the National Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative, launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, to make Dubai a global hub for clean energy and green economy by providing 7% of Dubai’s energy from clean energy sources by 2020. This will increase to 25% by 2030 and 75% by 2050,” HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
“The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park plays host to many of the major projects in this field, such as the interactive Innovation Centre, equipped with the latest technologies in clean and renewable energy, enhancing the capabilities of national renewable and sustainable energy. The Centre features a number of R&D setups specialising in clean energy technologies, drone research, and solar energy based desalination, worth a total investment of AED 500 million. This supports DEWA’s innovation strategy, and contributes to achieving our vision to become a sustainable innovative world-class utility,” added Al Tayer.
“This specialised workshop reflected our commitment towards ensuring that solar technology is properly designed, installed within production units, and on the rooftops of buildings, and connected to DEWA’s grid to support Shams Dubai initiative. Shams Dubai, launched by DEWA, enables customers to install photovoltaic panels on building rooftops, and connect them to DEWA’s grid. DEWA has successfully installed 453 solar panels with a capacity of 18.7MW,” Al Tayer continued.
Al Tayer highlighted that this workshop had an effective role in supporting these efforts, with the exchange of skills between DEWA’s R&D centre, and some of the world’s key players in the industry who specialise in managing the effect of soiling on photovoltaic technology. The effect of soiling is the biggest challenge faced by photovoltaic projects locally, and throughout the region. DEWA aspires to have a leading role in tackling this issue in cooperation with some of the best research organisations.
Source: dewa.gov.ae
