abstract
More and more PV systems are installed in deserts with hot and dry climates. Higher module temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, sand storms and dust soiling are the main challenges for special PV module designs and the module test requirements. In this work the abrasion effect of blown sand is investigated. Sand trickling tests according to DIN 52348 [1] and ASTM D968-05 [2] were performed. The test setup includes a funnel for the sand and a tube to guide the falling sand to the sample. Parameters as sand particle speed, test duration and the sand type were varied. For comparison blowing sand tests according to IEC 60068-2-68 method Lc2 [3] were conducted with modules and glass samples.