Assessing the Impact of Haze on Solar Energy Potential Using Long Term PM_(2.5) Concentration and Solar Insolation Filed Data in Naples, Italy

摘要

Atmospheric fine paniculate pollutant affects seriously the human health but also the passage of light through the lower atmosphere, reducing the solar radiation reaching the ground as well as the PV panels. In this study, the solar insolation reduction due to air pollution has been investigated in the city of Naples (Italy). Analyzing local long term field data, we have obtained that the solar insolation reduction is exponentially correlated to the PM2.5 concentration. By using the derived empirical relation, for Naples it was estimated that the solar insolation was reduced around 5% or 66.20 kWh/m~(-2) within one-year period (May 2018-May 2019), due to air fine particulate pollution. This study provides the theoretical basis to design successful solar PV systems to be mounted on building rooftops or in other suitable sites, taking into account also the local air pollution condition.