Research Progress and Development Trends in Photovoltaic Desertification Control and Photovoltaic Dust Removal Technologies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61435/jese.2026.e74Keywords:
photovoltaic power station, PV desert control, dust accumulation, dust removal technology, robotic cleaning, self-cleaning coatingAbstract
Against the backdrop of the global energy transition, photovoltaic (PV) power generation has expanded rapidly worldwide. In China, the integration of photovoltaic systems with desertification control has generated substantial environmental and economic benefits, contributing simultaneously to renewable energy development and ecological restoration. However, severe dust accumulation on PV installations in desert regions significantly reduces power generation efficiency, increases maintenance costs, and shortens system lifespan, creating major operational and environmental challenges. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop efficient and sustainable dust removal technologies that can improve power generation efficiency, conserve scarce water resources, and minimize environmental impacts in desert environments. This study systematically reviews recent advances in photovoltaic desertification control and dust mitigation technologies for PV power plants located in deserts, Gobi, and other barren lands. First, the development of PV-based desertification control technologies is reviewed, and their environmental and ecological achievements are summarized. Second, the mechanisms of dust accumulation and their impacts on PV performance are examined, with particular emphasis on the influence of environmental factors such as wind speed, humidity, dust characteristics, and panel tilt angle. Third, existing dust removal technologies—including robotic and mechanical cleaning systems, as well as coating-based and non-contact cleaning technologies—are comprehensively reviewed and critically discussed. Finally, future research directions and technological trends in PV desertification control and dust mitigation are presented to support the sustainable development of photovoltaic energy systems and environmental protection. This review provides valuable insights for researchers, engineers, and PV plant operators by improving the understanding of dust accumulation mechanisms in desert photovoltaic systems, evaluating advanced robotic and autonomous cleaning technologies, identifying emerging self-cleaning solutions, and highlighting strategies for enhancing the long-term efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of large-scale desert PV installations.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Tao Sun, Jiashun Hu, Wenhua Li, Lingbo Gao
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