The DIGI-GROW project was represented at the AgriVoltaics World Conference 2026, held in India, where Álvaro Fernández Solas from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) presented the study “Dirty Panels in Dual-Use Solar Fields: Understanding Soiling in Agrivoltaics Through Continuous Monitoring.”
The study investigated the performance of existing semi-physical and environmental-based models for estimating photovoltaic (PV) soiling losses in agrivoltaic systems. Using continuously monitored data from one of the DIGI-GROW project’s demonstration sites, the research showed that these models do not fully capture all the factors influencing soiling accumulation and removal. Consequently, their predictions can deviate considerably from measured soiling losses.
The presentation also highlighted the challenges associated with assessing non-uniform soiling patterns, particularly those caused by pollen accumulation and bird droppings. These findings underline the importance of continuous monitoring and improved modelling approaches to better understand soiling dynamics and assess their impact on PV performance in agrivoltaic installations.
The presentation sparked interest among conference participants and led to insightful discussions on the challenges and opportunities associated with PV soiling in agrivoltaic systems. These exchanges provided a valuable opportunity to share knowledge and explore potential collaborations to advance research in this field.
