Quantifying the impact of wildfire smoke on solar photovoltaic generation in Australia

The 2019–20 Australian wildfires caused extreme haze events across New South Wales (NSW), which reduced photovoltaic (PV) power output. We analyze 30-min energy data from 160 geographically separated residential PV systems in NSW with a total capacity of 312 kW from 6 Nov 2019–15 Jan 2020. The observed mean power reduction rate for PV energy generation as a function of the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration is 13 ± 2% per 100 μg/m3 of PM2.5. The resulting energy loss for residential and utility PV systems is estimated at 175 ± 35 GWh, equating to a worst-case financial loss of 19 ± 4 million USD. We found the relative impact to be most significant in the mornings and evenings, which may necessitate the installation of additional energy storage. As PV systems are sensitive to smoke and become ubiquitous, we propose employing them to support wildfire detection and monitoring. [Display omitted] •Smoke from Australia’s 2019-2020 wildfires reduced solar PV energy generation•PV system revenue in NSW decreased by 19 ± 4 million USD during the wildfire period•Mean smoke-induced PV losses are small but energy storage may benefit acute impacts•Residential PV systems could serve as a wildfire detection and monitoring network Applied physics; Engineering