The solar energy is considered to be the ultimate source of energy and primary source of renewable energy on the Earth. From the average solar energy of 342 W/m2 available in the upper atmosphere only 239 W/m2 reaches earth surface and rest is radiated back to space. Harvesting solar energy through semiconductor based solar cells is affected by several factors and dust accumulation is one such factor. Dust accumulation creates a coating over the panel that limits the reception of sunlight and increases the temperature inside the solar panels. As a result of dust coating the number of incident photons reaching the solar cells decreased substantially, resulting in diminished current output and lower efficiency. Further, due to insulating effect of the dust layer, heat from the panel does not radiate effectively and induces a random movement in the charge carriers inside solar cells, depreciating overall power output of the solar cell. With increasing pollution, the amount of dust particles in the atmosphere is increasing exponentially. Consequently, the efficiency of solar cells is being adversely affected universally, offsetting the positive effects of technological improvements in designs and manufacturing of solar cells. Over a period of 45 days an average drop of 22.5% is observed in the efficiency of polysilicon solar panels in clement town region in Dehradun. Further it has been found in the study that accumulation of dust particles offsets the advantages of higher altitude, greater irradiation, and lower temperature which are considered favorable for harnessing solar energy.

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