The effect of photovoltaic industry on the two variables of temperature and wind and possible impact on dust storm in Tehran province

Introduction: Recently, the industry of launching solar power plants in arid/ semi-arid regions has developed. A considerable part of Iran is covered by dry/semi-arid areas, which are exposed to severe wind erosion. Considering the occurrence of dust in these areas, this study investigated the possible impact of the photovoltaic industry on the prevention of dust storms. Materials and methods: The effect of solar power plant construction on atmospheric variables and its possible effect on the occurrence of dust were investigated in Tehran province. The criterion is to compare the monthly average wind and temperature respectively at the height of 10 and 2 m inside and outside the power plant (obtained from the TerraClimate database for 2020 and 2021) on the western side and at the closest point to the power plant. Results: The monthly average of wind and temperature respectively at the height of 10 and 2 m in 2020-2021 decreased inside of the power plant with respect to the outside of that. Significant differences were observed on temperature and wind inside and outside of the power plant during the peak heat in the summer, which increase with increasing temperature. The maximum of differences of monthly average of wind and temperature variables inside and outside of the power plant for Pars Ray Energy Bahar, Tehran Wastewater and Sohail Power Plants respectively are (0.5 °C, 0.55 m/s), (0.6 °C, 0.3 m/s), and (0.7 °C, 0.3 m/s). Conclusion: The photovoltaic industry can change the effective solar radiation, and possibly decrease the occurrence of dust storms by weakening wind power.