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Passow, Kendra

Publications and source records attributed to Passow, Kendra.

Local Variability in PV Soiling Rate

We examine the correlation between monthly PV system soiling rates over a multi-year period within two groups of First Solar soiling stations in separate regions of California as a function of site separation. The results demonstrate large seasonal variations in monthly soiling rates, with seasonal patterns that differ between sites. Monthly patterns at nearby sites were more highly correlated, suggesting that soiling rates can be strongly affected by local geography and weather. For the two regions studied, soiling rate pattern correlation diminished beyond a distance on the order of 50 km.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Local Variability in PV Soiling Rate

We explore local and hyper-local variability in PV soiling rate by examining the correlation between PV system soiling rates over a multi-year period within two groups of First Solar soiling stations in separate regions of California. The results demonstrate significant seasonal variations in monthly-averaged soiling rates, with soiling varying from near 0 to ~0.1%/day in different months and with seasonal patterns that differ between sites. Monthly patterns at nearby sites were more highly correlated, suggesting that soiling rates can be strongly affected by local geography and weather. For the two regions studied, soiling rate pattern correlation diminished beyond a distance on the order of 50 km. In addition, for selected sites we demonstrate within-site variation in soiling rate of up to ~1.5-2x, which may be correlated with proximity to nearby agricultural activity.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗