Evaluation of Photovoltaic Panel Degradation Under Saharan Dust Conditions in Katsina State

This study evaluates the degradation of photovoltaic panel output power caused by Saharan dust accumulation under the climatic conditions of Katsina State, North West Nigeria. Dust soiling of PV panels is a recognised efficiency loss mechanism in arid and semi-arid environments, and Katsina's proximity to the Sahara and its prolonged dry Harmattan season make it particularly susceptible. Three commercially available monocrystalline PV panels of identical specification were mounted at an optimal fixed tilt angle at an outdoor test station in Katsina Metropolis. One panel was cleaned daily, one was cleaned weekly, and one was left unclean throughout the eight-week experimental period. Current-voltage characteristics were measured at solar noon using a calibrated I-V curve tracer every two days. Dust samples collected from the uncleaned panel were analysed for particle size distribution and mineralogical composition using X-ray diffraction. Results show that the daily-cleaned panel maintained 97 to 99 percent of its rated output throughout the experiment. The weekly-cleaned panel exhibited a maximum output power loss of 14.3 percent by the seventh day before cleaning. The uncleaned panel lost 31.7 percent of rated output by week four, with the degradation rate accelerating during the peak Harmattan period when dust deposition was heaviest. Particle analysis confirmed predominantly silica and calcite composition consistent with Saharan dust. The study recommends automated cleaning systems or at minimum weekly manual cleaning schedules for PV installations in Katsina and similar North West Nigerian climates. Keywords: photovoltaic soiling, dust accumulation, Harmattan, solar energy, Katsina State.