Dust detection in solar panel using image processing techniques: A review

The performance of a photovoltaic panel is affected by its orientation and angular inclination with the horizontal plane. This occurs because these two parameters alter the amount of solar energy received by the surface of the photovoltaic panel. There are also environmental factors that affect energy production, one example is the dust. Dust particles accumulated on the surface of the panel reduce the arrival of light to the solar modules, reducing the amount of generated energy. The cleaning or mitigation of the modules is important and, to optimize these processes, constant monitoring and evaluation must be carried out. In order to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic panels, the use of image processing methods can be considered for the detection of dust. Therefore, the creation of a document that gathers and analyzes the results of different works developed to solve this problem facilitates access to information, allowing a better understanding of what has already been done and how it can be improved. The objective of this article is to review researches that uses image processing techniques to detect dust on solar panels, in order to compile information to assist research in the area and provide inspiration for future studies.