DustIQ monitors the loss of light transmission caused by dust, sand, pollen, or any other particles on PV panels using Kipp & Zonen’s new and innovative Optical Soiling Measurement (OSM) technology. The DustIQ has no moving parts and it does not need sunlight to operate. Rather, it uses an internal light source to measures scattered and reflected light that is directly proportional to soiling accumulation on the surface of the DustIQ.
The DustIQ is unique because it does not require routine cleaning and mechanical maintenance, it is easily mounted directly in between framed PV modules on fixed and tracked sites, and is cleaned only when the modules are cleaned.
Module cleaning is most economically viable when the revenue losses and performance penalties caused by soiling exceed the operational costs of monitoring and cleaning. DustIQ provides the information for solar energy plant management systems so that you can decide exactly when and where to clean. The cost-effective price of the DustIQ makes it feasible to install a network of DustIQ units to monitor the variation in soiling over across an entire PV plant.
