Yagma:With the gradual end of the rainy season, photovoltaic installations in Burkina Faso face a growing risk the accumulation of dust on solar panels. This phenomenon, exacerbated by drying soils, winds, and sediment deposits left by runoff in areas of stagnant water, can significantly reduce solar electricity production.
According to Burkina Information Agency, a scientific study conducted by researchers from the Laboratory of Thermal and Renewable Energies at Joseph KI-ZERBO University, published in 2025 in the journal Results in Optics, highlights the effects of dust on the performance of photovoltaic modules in a Sudanese-Sahelian climate.
Analyses carried out in Yagma, north of Ouagadougou, reveal clayey silt-type particles, with sizes between 2 and 20 micrometers, and an average measured deposition rate of 39.683 grams per square meter per day under the experimental conditions studied. Dust forms a partial screen that limits the amount of solar radiation reaching the cells, leading to a decrease in electrical current and available power. In the reported experiment, the module's maximum power decreased by approximately 4.1% over six days, despite an increase in solar irradiance.
To mitigate this risk, several precautions are recommended. Panels should be inspected regularly, especially after the first dust episodes, and electricity production should be monitored to detect any unusual drops. Cleaning methods should be adapted to the level of soiling and local conditions blowing with clean air may be suitable for dry, loose deposits, while cleaning with water may be necessary when particles are stuck. Alternating these methods, when equipment and manufacturer's instructions allow, can reduce water consumption and maintenance costs.
Cleaning operations must be carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions, using non-abrasive tools and products to avoid damaging the surfaces. It is important to avoid walking on the modules, cleaning them when they are very hot, or working on electrical components without qualified personnel. Rain does not always guarantee thorough cleaning, as fine particles mixed with moisture can adhere more strongly to the glass.
Beyond cleaning, preventative maintenance that considers prevailing winds, proximity to unpaved roads, and areas prone to sediment deposition helps anticipate fouling episodes. The goal is to sustainably preserve the performance of photovoltaic installations while controlling maintenance costs and water usage, a particularly precious resource in Burkina Faso.