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Korea Photovoltaic Society (한국태양광발전학회)
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Impact of Bird Droppings on Flating Photovoltaic (FPV) Module Performance : Maintenance and Deterrence Methods

조류 배설물의 영향에 따른 수상태양광 시스템 성능 연구 : 유지보수 및 조류방지 방안

  • Myenggil Gang (R&D Center, MIRAE S.P. CO., LTD.) ;
  • Seong Dae Kim (R&D Center, MIRAE S.P. CO., LTD.) ;
  • Alex Lim (R&D Center, MIRAE S.P. CO., LTD.) ;
  • Choong sub Won (R&D Center, MIRAE S.P. CO., LTD.) ;
  • Hyunsik Jo (Water Energy Research Center, Korea Water Resources corporation (K-water)) ;
  • Jieun Lee (Water Energy Research Center, Korea Water Resources corporation (K-water)) ;
  • Chang-Sub Won (R&D Center, MIRAE S.P. CO., LTD.)
  • 강명길 (부설연구소, 주식회사 미래에스피) ;
  • 김성대 (부설연구소, 주식회사 미래에스피) ;
  • 임민수 (부설연구소, 주식회사 미래에스피) ;
  • 원충섭 (부설연구소, 주식회사 미래에스피) ;
  • 조현식 (물에너지연구소, 한국수자원공사연구원) ;
  • 이지은 (물에너지연구소, 한국수자원공사연구원) ;
  • 원창섭 (부설연구소, 주식회사 미래에스피)
  • Received : 2025.09.06
  • Accepted : 2025.09.26
  • Published : 2025.12.31
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Abstract

This study examines the impact of bird droppings on the performance of floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems, with a focus on a case study conducted at the Marine Research Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) test-bed, installed in 2021 at Saemangeum, a seawater lake in South Korea. The FPV system was developed in collaboration with K-Water, a water resource management agency, for the purpose of establishing marine solar power facilities. During the research, environmental characteristics of the installation site led to the emergence of bird droppings as a significant issue, particularly due to the presence of seagulls and migratory birds, which pose a major challenge to the optimal operation of FPV systems. In bird-prone areas, these birds frequently utilize FPV sites as resting or sheltering locations. The deposition of bird droppings on FPV modules can severely affect energy efficiency, increase maintenance requirements, and compromise long-term system performance. The accumulation of droppings leads to shading, which reduces light absorption and consequently results in power output degradation. In some cases, this can also cause the formation of hotspots, which may accelerate the degradation of the modules. Moreover, the high uric acid content of bird droppings can damage the mechanical components of the photovoltaic system. This research investigates the effects of bird droppings on FPV module performance through on-site generation analysis. The study also explores various maintenance strategies and bird deterrence methods aimed at minimizing the impact of droppings and optimizing energy production. Practical solutions, such as robotic cleaning systems and bird-repelling technologies, are assessed for their effectiveness and feasibility in mitigating the adverse effects of bird activity. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into enhancing the sustainable operation of FPV systems, offering recommendations for improving maintenance efficiency and reducing performance losses associated with avian interference.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

본 연구는 산업통상자원부(MOTIE)와 한국에너지기술평가원(KETEP)의 지원을 받아 수행한 연구 과제입니다(RS2024-00459948).

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