DEWA's automated soiling detector promises to boost solar efficiency in dusty environments

Dubai , A new automated device crafted by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has demonstrated some promising results in helping maintain photovoltaic (PV) output, especially in dusty environments. This is a real challenge for solar projects not just in the UAE but pretty much anywhere with dry, sandy climates.

From what DEWA reports, their Autonomous Soiling Detector managed to cut down energy losses, caused by dust buildup, by roughly 10% during initial prototype tests at their main office parking lot. The way it works, at least according to them, is by comparing the measured solar radiation and the actual electrical output of PV modules against an expected “ideal” level under specific operating conditions. If there’s a sudden drop or ongoing shortfall in performance, the system attributes it to soiling. This helps in making timely decisions, either cleaning the panels or adjusting operations. DEWA also noted that using this system reduced how often maintenance was needed and made cleaning schedules more efficient, thanks to the precise, near-real-time data it provided. These findings were shared by Al Ittihad and DEWA’s own press releases.

The device, well, at least for now, has secured patents across several jurisdictions. DEWA mentioned it’s patented by the GCC Patent Office and also in countries like Canada, Jordan, India, Australia, Japan, and Spain. They picture this invention as a practical tool, one that boosts PV efficiency by automating performance monitoring and targeted upkeep.

Soiling, basically the dust and tiny particles that gather on solar panels, lessens the amount of sunlight reaching the cells, which obviously cuts down overall efficiency. Industry data suggests that soiling losses differ depending on the location and how often panels are cleaned, and in arid regions, these losses can range from just a few percent to double digits over longer periods. For big utility-scale or distributed PV systems, that typically means lost revenue along with increased maintenance costs.

What sets DEWA’s approach apart is that it combines irradiance monitoring with analytics on production, rather than just relying on visual checks or scheduled cleanings. According to their statement, the system measures how much soiling affects energy output, giving operators a clear metric to decide if cleaning is worth it. During their trials, this capability apparently helped avoid unnecessary cleanings and optimized maintenance planning.

This innovation fits into DEWA’s broader research into dust and atmospheric effects on solar energy. Back in 2020, for instance, they received a patent for a system that measures atmospheric attenuation, specifically for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) applications. Their system also uses drones and autonomous vehicles to gauge dust impacts on solar towers and heliostats, so they’ve been pretty consistent in developing measurement solutions for degradations caused by dust.

The Autonomous Soiling Detector is also in step with various tech trends in the industry. There’s quite a bit of academic work right now on automated soiling detection, using computer vision and machine learning to inspect panel surfaces and classify dust levels. For example, a recent engineering journal article showcased a vision-based method that uses texture descriptors and support vector machines to accurately detect soiling. These image-based approaches probably complement the performance analytics, and combining both could lead to smarter cleaning strategies for operators.

Now, while that reported 10% reduction sounds impressive, several factors will influence how well this device performs when scaled up. For example, local dust rates, panel tilt, weather patterns, dust types, and existing cleaning regimes all play a role. Ultimately, the economic benefits will depend on whether the energy savings outweigh the costs of deploying and maintaining these detectors across large PV arrays. Their initial trial at a single parking lot provides proof of concept, but wider, utility-scale deployment will be necessary to really validate its benefits across different environments and seasons.

There are also some practical considerations to keep in mind. Automated detection only really adds value if it integrates well with existing asset management, cleaning services, and control systems. Industry insiders say the real worth of these systems depends heavily on how quickly cleaning can be scheduled after alerts and the costs involved in service visits. DEWA’s releases mention that the detector data actually improved cleaning schedules during their tests, suggesting good integration with maintenance workflows.

As for the patents covering multiple countries, well, that’s likely to help DEWA commercialize or license this technology internationally. Their IP protection extends across the GCC, Canada, Jordan, India, Australia, Japan, and Spain, which could pave the way for partnerships, especially in parts of the world where dust remains a significant operational hurdle.

For those involved in UAE climate tech, the detector emphasizes two key points. First, using data-driven O&M strategies can make a real difference in dusty conditions. And second, combining various detection methods, things like performance analytics, weather sensors, and imaging, can reduce uncertainty and lead to smarter decisions. As PV capacity in the UAE continues to grow, tools that help keep yields high while reducing costs are going to be increasingly valuable.

DEWA, for its part, sees the Autonomous Soiling Detector as a practical addition to its lineup of solar optimization tools. They argue that it offers a scalable way to detect and measure soiling, enabling more targeted cleaning efforts and better maintenance planning overall. The next steps, more widespread use and further testing, will reveal whether these claimed reductions in energy loss translate into real and sustained operational gains for large-scale PV projects across the region.

Source: Noah Wire Services