17：Does Soot Damage Solar Panels?

According to the research of Kingsley-Amaehule Marian and Mbonu Ekene.Temperature and humidity, as well as dust distribution andsoiling effects, were discovered to have a significant impacton the performance of solar panels. Investigated theeffects of changing solar radiation and rising temperatures on the overall performance of solar panels in their research. The experimental results demonstrated that temperature and solar radiation variations have a significant impact on how the haracteristics of the PV panel react in real-world operating conditions as opposed to standard test conditions (STC). Conducted research on the effect of coal dust deposition on PV panel output response as part of their effort to aid in the efficient use of solar energy in mining industries. The obtained results revealed a significant loss in PV panel output power due to coal dust deposition on its surface.

Solar Panels with Soot Case Analysis

At this case,regarding your concern about whether soot might pollute the solar panels, indeed, there is a potential risk. The soot and other particulate matter emitted from the chimney could settle on the solar panels, especially if the wind direction carries these particles towards the panels when the chimney is located above or to the side of them. This not only affects the appearance of the panels but can also reduce their efficiency since dust and dirt block sunlight from directly hitting the panel surface, thus diminishing energy production.

To mitigate the impact of this potential issue, consider the following suggestions:

Consult Professionals: Most importantly, before making a final decision, consult with professional solar system installers and wood-burner installation experts. They can provide detailed and personalized advice based on your specific situation.

Optimization of Design and Layout: Optimize the design and placement of the wood-burner’s chimney as much as possible to keep it away from the location of the solar panels, or ensure that the chimney is tall enough so that emissions are more easily carried away by higher winds rather than settling on the solar panels.

Regular Cleaning: Establish a routine for regularly cleaning the solar panels to remove any accumulated dust and dirt. While this adds to maintenance costs, it ensures the panels operate at their best performance.

Self-cleaning Technologies: There are specialized coatings available for solar panel surfaces designed to minimize the adherence of dust and pollutants. Although these technologies may incur additional costs, they help improve the overall efficiency of the solar system in the long run.