Performance Investigation of Photovoltaic Panel under Cotton Dust Environment: Insights from Statistical Analysis

Abstract

The use of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems as a renewable source is gaining popularity as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting energy demand. However, losses associated with solar PV systems remain a challenge. In this study relationship between the average power output of a solar PV system in clean and cotton dust configurations using linear regression analysis is investigated. The data is being collected over a period of 12 days, with daily measurements of 8 hours of the average power output in both configurations. Based on the t-test, it is found that the average power output in the cotton dust configuration was significantly lower than that in the clean configuration. Linear regression analysis verified that the power output of the system decreased over time in both configurations. The coefficient of determination for the clean model is 0.1905 and the R-squared value for the cotton dust model is 0.8436. These outcomes highlight the importance of considering the effects of cotton dust growth on the performance of solar PV systems and the potential for improved maintenance strategies to overcome the related losses.