مجلة الجامعة الإسلامية للعلوم التطبيقية

Performance Enhancement of Solar Modules in Arid Climates: Dust Mitigation Strategies in Ghardaïa, Algeria

Reski Khelifi, Tawfiq Chekifi, Abdelkader Si Tayeb, Mohamed Lebbi, Sofiane Kherrour, Lyes Boutina, Khaled Touafek

الكلمات مفتاحية: Solar; Desert conditions; MPPT; Experimental platform.

التخصص العام: Engineering

التخصص الدقيق: Renewable Energy Technologies

https://doi.org/10.63070/jesc.2025.041; Received 10 July 2025; Revised 12 November 2025; Accepted 13 December 2025; Available online 24 December 2025.
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الملخص

This study explores how different dust reduction and cleaning methods affect the performance of monocrystalline silicon solar modules in the harsh desert conditions of Ghardaia, Algeria. Six identical solar modules with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology were tested to compare three cleaning techniques: water cleaning, cloth cleaning, and a mixture of water and sodium bicarbonate. The water-sodium bicarbonate solution proved highly effective, improving cleaning efficiency by 75% over 10 days. This significant improvement is due to the solution’s ability to thoroughly remove dust and dirt that can reduce solar panel performance. The study highlights the importance of choosing the right cleaning methods and scheduling them properly to boost energy output, lower maintenance costs, and ensure reliable solar energy production in dry and dusty environments

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