Energy Environ. Sci. http://doi.org/ctsp (2018)

Solar photovoltaics (PVs) are an integral part of global climate mitigation strategies. Solar power offers air quality benefits, but its efficacy may be impacted by pollution in the lower atmosphere that reduces the amount of light reaching the solar installation.

To determine the extent of this effect, Ian Marius Peters of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, and colleagues derive an equation for the relationship between PM2.5 concentrations and insolation using high-resolution data from Delhi, India. The empirical relationship is then extended to assess potential insolation reductions for 16 other cities. Losses in radiant exposure range from 1.9% (Bogota, Colombia) to 12.2% (Delhi, India). Possible revenue losses from reduced exposure range from US$5.9 million (Los Angeles, USA) to US$20 million (Delhi), given current installation targets and electricity prices.

The functional relationship between air pollution and insolation received by silicon PV panels presented here is a first indicator, and therefore subject to uncertainties. More research is needed to assess the impact of urban air pollution on PV power potential.