Presentation Details
| Ashesi Solar Monitoring Network Version II (ASMONET V2): Improved IoT-Based Soiling Measurement for Photovoltaic Systems in West Africa Augustine Ofosu-Appiah1, Stewart Isaacs2, 3, Acheampong A.Afari1, Jeremiah Takyi1, Joshua Nti1, Heather R.Beem1. 1Ashesi University, Berekuso, Ghana.2Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.3Carnegie Mellon University Africa, Kigali, Rwanda |
Abstract
Although the adoption of photovoltaics (PV) is growing globally, environmental conditions can significantly impair their performance. In West Africa, dust soiling during the annual dry season (Harmattan) can reduce power output by over 50%. While existing computational models can estimate these effects, there is a dearth of data from ground-based sources to validate their accuracy. ASMONET, a network of ground-based monitoring stations, is designed to fill this data gap for PV systems operating in West Africa. This work improves upon the initial ASMONET design with four key upgrades, including 1) a new power measurement method, 2) automation of irradiance sensing, 3) an improved weather station, and 4) an updated dust mass measurement method. New data for the updated setup (V2) were collected during the tail end of the recent Harmattan period, from January 24 to March 9, 2026, and compared with data collected from the previous year using the initial version (V1). Results show that power measurement data were more consistent and reliable during the period. Compared with V1, V2 power system faults fell from four to zero, and enabled reliable soiling ratio measurements, with an average soiling loss of 14.4% over the period. Irradiance data from the new automated setup closely matched the power data trend over time, enabling the computation of energy conversion efficiencies (11.93% for a regularly cleaned panel and 9.83% for a soiled panel) and, consequently, panel degradation (63% and 52%, respectively). Overall, ASMONET V2 is equipped with a more reliable power measurement method and yields higher-quality environmental data from updated sensors. These new features can enable an improved understanding of the effects of Harmattan on PV performance and support the continued uptake of PV in the region.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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