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The performance of photovoltaic panels decreases depending on the different factors to which they are subjected daily. One of the phenomena that most affects their energy production is dust deposition. This is particularly acute in desert climates, where the level of solar radiation is extreme. In this work, the effect of dust soiling is examined on the electricity generation of an experimental photovoltaic pilot plant, installed at the Solar Energy Research Center (CIESOL) at the University of Almería. An average reduction of 5% of the power of a photovoltaic plant due to dust contamination has been obtained, this data being used to simulate the economic effect in plants of 9 kWp and 1 and 50 MWp. The economic losses have been calculated, and are capable of being higher than 150,000 €/year in industrial plants of 50 MWp. A cleaning strategy has also been presented, which represents a substantial economic outlay over the years of plant operation.

The performance of photovoltaic panels decreases depending on the different factors to which they are subjected daily. One of the phenomena that most affects their energy production is dust deposition. This is particularly acute in desert climates, where the level of solar radiation is extreme. In this work, the effect of dust soiling is examined on the electricity generation of an experimental photovoltaic pilot plant, installed at the Solar Energy Research Center (CIESOL) at the University of Almería. An average reduction of 5% of the power of a photovoltaic plant due to dust contamination has been obtained, this data being used to simulate the economic effect in plants of 9 kWp and 1 and 50 MWp. The economic losses have been calculated, and are capable of being higher than 150,000 €/year in industrial plants of 50 MWp. A cleaning strategy has also been presented, which represents a substantial economic outlay over the years of plant operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Emerging energy technologies in Chemical Engineering were highlighted. • Progress in power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells was reviewed. • State-of-the-art solar gasification and cogeneration of biomass were summarized. The 2017 P.V. Danckwerts Memorial Lecture focused on the topic of challenges and opportunities for chemical engineering in emerging technologies towards a sustainable economy. A possible pathway of creating sustainability has been proposed through three-fold criteria including short-term, mid-term, and long-term. We highlight partial emerging technologies in this pathway, embracing a solar-and-biomass dual-source nexus for sustainable synthesis of energy networks (i.e. perovskite solar cells, solar pyrolysis/gasification, and biomass-based cogeneration) via considering their state-of-the-art research outcomes. We hope this special issue can lead to research and development towards a sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Unprecedented innovation opportunities for chemical engineers in the emerging solar economy. • Energy Systems Engineering Analysis critical for optimal solutions. • Aglectric farming for coproduction of food and electricity. • Local photons for local needs. • Interdisciplinary approaches will be required for problem solving in the solar economy. Chemical engineering evolved in the twentieth century with rise in the use of fossil resources and the myriad of products derived from them. Those products required great innovations and had a huge impact on the human race. Going forward as we transition from fossil resources to renewable resources such as solar energy, we again have unprecedented opportunities for innovation that would not only make great impact but redefine chemical engineering. My Danckwerts lecture focused on my own experiences with challenges and opportunities presented to us as chemical engineers in the emerging solar economy. In particular, the importance of careful energy systems engineering for identifying optimal solutions that seeks synergy between different applications of solar energy is emphasized. The need to acquire and use knowledge beyond our traditional chemical engineering discipline to create new solutions is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]