Systematic Mapping Study (SMS) on Energy Outcome Loss Caused by Dust Deposition on Photovoltaic Panels Due to Climate Change in North Africa

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) energy systems in North Africa are increasingly recognized as pivotal to regional decarbonization and energy security. However, the accelerating impacts of climate change including intensified aridity, desertification, and altered wind patterns are exacerbating dust deposition on PV modules, leading to significant and often unquantified energy yield losses. This paper presents the first systematic mapping study to comprehensively categorize, analyze, and visualize the state-of-the-art literature addressing the nexus between climate-induced dust accumulation and PV performance degradation across North Africa. Following the Kitchenham and Petersen protocols for systematic reviews in engineering, this research analyzed 87 peer-reviewed studies published between (2000 and 2026). This mapping reveals critical research gaps in long-term field data, standardized soiling measurement protocols, and region-specific predictive modeling under future climate scenarios. This research further identify emerging mitigation technologies and policy frameworks, proposing a novel research taxonomy to guide future investigations. This study provides a foundational evidence base for engineers, policymakers, and climate adaptation planners seeking to optimize PV reliability and energy return on investment in one of the world’s most solar-rich yet environmentally vulnerable regions.It was concluded that Al-Marqab cement gave the shortest initial setting time, with a value of 175 minutes, while Al-Ittihad cement gave the longest setting time, with a value of 185 minutes. Egyptian Helwan cement gave the shortest final setting time, with a value of 210 minutes, while Al-Ittihad cement gave the longest time, with a value of 240 minutes, and Al-Binyan cement gave the lowest workability, with a value of 70 mm. Al-Ittihad cement gave the highest slump value, with a value of 110 mm, and Al-Binyan and Labda cement gave the lowest compressive strength at 7 days, with a value of (20 MPa), while Al-Ittihad and Al-Arabiya cement gave the highest value of (28 MPa). Al-Binyan cement gave the lowest compressive strength at 28 days, amounting to (25 MPa), Arabia cement gave the highest value of 36 MPa, and Al-Binyan cement gave the lowest value in terms of average economic cost, at 41 dinars per tonne, while Al-Ittihad cement gave the highest value, at 45.33 dinars per tonne.