This study investigated the effects of dust deposition and ambient air
temperature on the performance of a thin film photovoltaic module under real outdoor
conditions in the humid harsh climate of Egypt. The experimental study investigated the
effect of dust deposition and the effect of ambient air dry bulb temperature on the
performance of the PV module. Theoretical study predicted the temperature of the PV
panels at various metrological conditions in different locations inside Egypt. The study
experimental results show that dust deposition has a significant effect on Isc current, while
is has less effect on Voc voltage. Dust effect becomes more significant on cloudy days more
than on sunny days. The PV modules must be cleaned regularly every 4 days and directly
after a dusty storm. The ambient air dry bulb temperature has a significant effect on Voc
voltage, while it has less effect on Isc current. The theoretical models results were compared
with the experimental results, and good agreement were found. The theoretical results show
that the Crystalline PV panels are more affected by the ambient air dry bulb temperature
rather than the thin film PV panels