Design of a Low-Cost Multiplexer for the Study of the Impact of Soiling on PV Panel Performance

Atmospheric factors, such as clouds, wind, dust, or aerosols, play an important role in the power generation of photovoltaic (PV) plants. Among these soiling has been revealed one most relevant causes diminishing PV yield, mainly arid zones deserts. The effect on performance can be analyzed by means I–V curves measured simultaneously two panels: soiled and other clean. To this end, tracers, tracer along with a multiplexer, are needed. Unfortunately, options usually expensive, only is typically available at site interest. In work, design low-cost multiplexer described. controlled single-board microcontroller manufactured ArduinoTM, capable managing several pairs panels almost simultaneously. installed outdoors, contrast to many commercial tracers multiplexers. This advantage allows monitored panels, indoor tracers. also presented, preliminary results analyzed.