This project aims to investigate environmental effect –such as dust and rain- on the performance of a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). However, those issues are frequently investigated in the horizontal axis wind turbines, but this subject has not been studied in vertical axis wind turbines. Impact of rain or dust particles on the turbine blades can change the turbine performance. So consideration of the impact of environmental factors on the performance of wind turbines is very important. Vertical axis wind turbines, particularly the straight bladed VAWT are widely used in wind power generation in agricultural and rural lighting and the use of this type of turbines is increasing...