Can solar PV power plants be installed in deserts?

Desertification leaves less genuinely usable space for agriculture and living for most of mankind. Due to this development, thinking about efficient ways to use otherwise mostly deserted space comes into mind – one of which is the installation of solar PV power plants in deserts.

What challenges do solar PV systems face in the desert?

Desert environments pose particularly unique climatic challenges and stress to every single component of a solar PV system, including the inverters, mounting systems, and – of course – solar PV modules.

Can solar panels be installed in deserts?

Here are some ways to tackle the challenges of installing solar PV in deserts to make the projects viable. Install panels designed for harsh conditions. Some solar panel manufacturers produce heavy-duty panels that provide extreme heat resistance and low degradation losses. Use dry cleaning methods.

Do desert solar PV projects use water?

Depending on the PV module technology employed in a desert solar PV project, this often involves the usage of water which however is a costly commodity in such regions and challenging to transport over vast distances.

Are desert areas suitable for building photovoltaic power stations?

As is shown in Fig. S1, most desert areas are suitable for building photovoltaic power stations when considering three factors: slope, distance from fresh water resources, and solar irradiation, especially deserts in Australia and Africa.

How to find a solar project in a desert environment?

Locating a solar project in a desert environment requires careful planning to ensure it will generate a position return on investment. RatedPower platform enables you to model variables such as temperature, topography, solar panel tilt, and interconnection to estimate a project’s electricity output.