One of the most critical factors directly affecting the performance of solar power plants is panel soiling. Dust, dirt, pollen, and other environmental factors accumulate on the surface of panels, blocking sunlight from reaching the cells and causing energy production losses.
But the key question is: How can we detect panel soiling without going to the site?
What is Soiling Ratio?
Defined in the IEC 61724-1 standard, the Soiling Ratio is a key indicator used to measure the impact of panel soiling on production performance. With this ratio, the level of soiling on panels can be monitored numerically.
How is it Measured?
To calculate the Soiling Ratio, measurements must be taken with the right sensors. Some of the leading solutions on the market include:
- Seven Sensör – Automatic Dust Sensor
- Kipp&Zonen – DustIQ Soiling Monitoring System
Data collected from these devices is processed according to the methods defined in IEC 61724-1, and the soiling ratio is calculated.
Key Points for Accurate Measurement
A common mistake in soiling measurement is evaluating the data instantly. However, IEC 61724-1 requires that measurements only be considered above certain irradiance levels and during specific times of the day. This approach prevents angular differences and momentary variations from distorting the results.
Monitoring Soiling with Solarify
The Solarify platform includes soiling graphs, ratio calculations, and an alarm system designed in compliance with this standard. Users can track panel soiling remotely, detect performance losses in advance, and take timely action.
For example, in the Solarify Sensor Soiling Alarm settings, you can configure:
- Irradiance trigger values
- Time ranges to be considered in calculations
- Tolerance levels
This way, when your plant reaches the defined level of soiling, you are automatically notified, allowing you to make cleaning decisions without going to the site.