IMPACT OF PM2.5 ON SOLAR POWER GENERATION IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Transboundary haze has always been a major concern in Singapore due to the high concentrations of particulate matters (PM) in the smoke, especially PM2.5. Not only does the air pollution affect the health of people and the economy, it also reduces visibility and partially block sunlight from reaching the surface. This can thus affect solar photovoltaic (PV) energy output. With the episodic haze continuing to return over the years, the question on the impact of PM2.5 on the solar PV output in Singapore remains. As solar PV energy generation is inherently intermittent, the potential losses in solar PV electrical output due to increased concentrations of PM2.5 during haze can bring about more variability in solar PV energy production.

In this study, a case study is used to quantify the impacts of PM2.5 concentrations on solar irradiance in Singapore. An assessment of the haze period in 2019 is the basis for the loss analysis. The methodology proposed took into account cloudy days and fluctuations in solar irradiance. After which, the effects of PM2.5 on solar irradiance is applied to create a typical weather file that presents a hazy month scenario. A building model simulation, along with the weather file, is subsequently used to simulate the impacts of PM2.5 concentrations on the typical solar PV energy generation. The results show that when PM2.5 concentration readings are more than 56 µg/m3, global horizontal irradiance (GHI) decreases in a range of 3% to 16%. This in turn lead to around 17% loss in solar PV energy yield.