Comparative analysis of dust accumulation impact on monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline solar panels in semi-arid regions

Abstract

What happens when desert dust meets silicon? This question drives the core investigation presented here, examining how accumulated particulate matter affects photovoltaic conversion efficiency in two dominant solar cell technologies. The research was conducted at a designated test facility in the Montpellier region of southern France from March through August 2024, where semi-arid conditions provided an optimal environment for controlled dust exposure experiments. A total of 24 solar panels 12 monocrystalline and 12 polycrystalline units were installed under identical orientation and tilt angles to ensure measurement consistency. Over a 90-day observation period, systematic measurements captured power output degradation, surface temperature variations, and dust deposition patterns at two-week intervals. Results indicated that polycrystalline panels experienced a 27.6% reduction in power generation capacity, while monocrystalline variants showed comparatively better resistance with a 21.3% decline. Temperature measurements revealed that dust-covered surfaces operated at temperatures 8.7°C higher than clean reference panels, accelerating thermal degradation processes. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences between panel types (p<0.01), with monocrystalline technology demonstrating superior dust tolerance attributed to its uniform crystal structure and smoother surface texture. These findings carry practical implications for solar installation planning in arid and semi-arid climatic zones, suggesting that monocrystalline panels may offer better long-term value despite higher initial investment costs in dust-prone environments.