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Cited by 12Multi-Criteria Decision MakingSolar Thermal and Photovoltaic SystemsPhotovoltaic System Optimization Techniques

Selection of optimal strategy for managing decentralized solar PV systems considering uncertain weather conditions

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Chadly, Assia, Aldayyani, Hamed Yahya, Hamasha, Mohammad M., Amer, Sa’ed, Maalouf, Maher, Mayyas, Ahmad·2024·Scientific Reports
DOI 10.1038/s41598-024-62891-6PMC PMC11133323
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Abstract

Solar power is a promising source of energy that is environmentally friendly, sustainable, and renewable. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are the most common and mature technology used to harness solar energy. Unfortunately, these panels are prone to dust accumulation, which can have a significant impact on their efficiency. To maintain their effectiveness, solar photovoltaics s must be cleaned regularly. Eight main techniques are used to clean solar panels: natural, manual, mechanical, robotic, drone, coating, electrical, and acoustic. This study aims to identify the best cleaning method using multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Quality Function Deployment (QFD), Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarities to Ideal Solution (FTOPSIS), and Preference Selection Index (PSI), this research evaluates all eight cleaning methods based on several criteria that are categorized under cost, performance, resource requirement, and safety in Abu Dhabi. The data are collected from surveys completed by experts in solar and sustainable energy. The AHP, QFD, and PSI results identified natural, manual, and surface coating as the best and most effective cleaning methods. Natural cleaning involves using rainwater primarily to remove dirt and dust; manual cleaning requires cleaning agents and wiping clothes; and surface coatings involve applying a layer of hydrophobic material to the panels to repel dust. Identifying the most effective cleaning method for dust removal from solar panels can ensure optimal efficiency recovery at minimal costs and resources.

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  • The authors of [14,15,16,17] describe the use of RPASs to clean solar panels, define the need to purchase a drone, in maritime installations, and for belief management in internet technology, respectively, applications that all used the AHP method to optimize and prioritize processes, sometimes in combination with other MCDA techniques.

    “The authors of [14,15,16,17] describe the use of RPASs to clean solar panels, define the need to purchase a drone, in maritime installations, and for belief management in internet technology, respectively, applications that all used the AHP method to optimize and prioritize processes, sometimes in combination with other multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) techniques.”

    From Multicriteria Methodology for Prioritizing Predictive Maintenance Using RPASs (Drones) with Thermal Cameras on Transmission Lines (2025) · cites this paper as [14]

  • Publications [11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20] report the use of the AHP method to prioritize and optimize processes in several areas.

    “Publications [11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20] report the use of the AHP method to prioritize and optimize processes in several areas.”

    From Multicriteria Methodology for Prioritizing Predictive Maintenance Using RPASs (Drones) with Thermal Cameras on Transmission Lines (2025) · cites this paper as [14]

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Chadly, A., Aldayyani, H. Y., Hamasha, M. M., Amer, S., Maalouf, M., & Mayyas, A.
Affiliations
  • Khalifa University of Science and Technology (AE)
  • Hashemite University (JO)
Corresponding author
Mayyas, Ahmad
ORCID
Venue
Scientific Reports
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2024-05-28
Volume
14
Issue
1
Pages
12269-12269
ISSN
2045-2322 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1038/s41598-024-62891-6
PMC
PMC11133323
OpenAlex
W4399069001
Cited by
12
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 3
FWCI
3.65
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Scientific Reports (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Multi-Criteria Decision Making
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Photovoltaic System Optimization Techniques
Keywords
dust accumulation, manual cleaning, surface coating, hydrophobic coatings, multi-criteria decision making, analytic hierarchy process, quality function deployment, fuzzy TOPSIS, Preference Selection Index, Abu Dhabi

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