Description
DUST IQ – Solar Panel Soiling Monitoring System
The Kipp and Zonen DUST IQ solar panel soiling monitoring instrument allows operators to understand their PV panel’s behaviour. They are specifically designed to measure the loss of light from dust and dirt settling on PV panels.
Dust IQs seamlessly integrate within the array of solar panels, they provide real ‘on the ground’ data of how dirty the surrounding solar panels area. As the Dust IQ mimics the PV panels they are virtually maintenance-free as they are cleaned at the same time as the panels.
Using the soiling information, solar farm operators can monitor panel performance and optimise their cleaning schedules.
The accurate knowledge of solar panel soiling levels prevents unnecessary cleaning of panels which will save time, money, and most importantly, water.
When multiple DUST IQs are deployed in large solar farms, it is possible to target areas that require cleaning. This prevents delays in cleaning and maximises output.
The Dust IQ has an RS-485 Modbus output which allows it to integrate to SCADA systems where alarms for cleaning can be set up.
In addition to soiling data, the Dust IQ also monitors temperature.
Dust IQ specifications:
| Transmission Loss (TL) range | Percentage of sunlight that is blocked or scattered in such a way that it does not reach the actual solar cells 0 to 50% |
| Soiling Ratio (SR) range | 100 to 50 % (SR = 100 –TL) |
| Transmission loss measurement accuracy | ± 0.1 of reading ± 1% (after local dust calibration) |
| Ambient working temperature | -20 to +60 °C °C |
| PV panel temperature sensor | -20 to +100 °C, ± 1 °C |
| Tilt X and Y | -180 to 180 degrees ± 1 degree |
| Communication | Modbus® over 2-wire RS-485 |
| Power | 12-30 VDC, 200-70 mA at 24 V, 500 mA power supply is advised |
| Dimensions unpacked | 990 x 160 x 35 mm |
| Weight unpacked | Dust IQ unit: 4 kg; Mounting clamps: 600 g |
