Can Solar Panels Handle the Change in Weather Conditions in Dubai? The Case of Dubai Refreshment Company

Abstract

The Dubai Refreshment Company in the United Arab Emirates has installed a solar photovoltaic system on its factory roof. The company’s chief executive officer, Tarek El Sakka, noticed that the efficiency of the panels had decreased, learning that high temperatures in Dubai’s summer and the adhesion of dust to the solar panels can reduce their rate of electricity generation. To improve efficiency, El Sakka and his team can install a cooling system on the solar panels. Alternatively, they can hire more employees to clean the panels. The company will have to outsource the cleaning services. However, most cleaning companies will take some time in providing the full number of cleaners since these workers usually come from overseas. The availability of photovoltaic cleaning equipment also consumes time.