[RE-wrenches] Power Loss from Dust on PV Modules

[Jeff Oldham]

Here's a wild notion -  if you're o-t-g perhaps it is best to not clean your modules all summer! I increased my array size last winter (doubled it) and this, my 1st summer, I've found that I'm in float for at least 4 hours/day so I decided to not clean my modules here in the dusty mountains and they are getting VERY dirty and power is down about 20% and dropping. My point is that my modules now have "Ray Bans" on, although they don't look cool I expect a slight reduction in module degradation over the years this way. I save a wee bit of time, water and effort in return for longer module life and the down side is what, I still can make more power than I can use? I must admit that looking at filthy modules is not easy and goes against all my solar upbringing but I'm adapting quickly to one less chore in this "simple living" life!


>From the Solar, Wind and Hydro powered office of Jeff Oldham/Regenerative SOLutions
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