3 ms·
All panels collect dust, but this setup is much more challenging to clean (and to generally service, i.e to replace a faulty panel)
by avip 4y ago
All panels collect dust, but this setup is much more challenging to clean (and to generally service, i.e to replace a faulty panel)
- nimos 4y agoThis seems much easier to clean? A gigantic flat slab is pretty easy to automate something vs disconnected racks.
- avip 4y ago(Modern utility scale PV installations are already using automated cleaning solutions). It is much better from POV of the cleaning robot maneuvering requirements. It's also much better in terms of single robot can access the entire installation. But it's worse in terms of how much distance the dust should be pushed before it's off panel (as I don't see any gaps there)
- CuriousCosmic 4y agoAlternatively if the robot is a vacuum or something of the like, it could just store the excess dust and dump it at a station on the edge.
- s1artibartfast 4y agoService trade-off seems pretty marginal. They say the panels aren't tied down to the ground in any way, so you might be able to just pick one up and disconnect it
- elihu 4y agoThey have a robot that cleans the panels. It's a big, flat surface so they don't really need anything much more advanced than a Roomba. Apparently they also have special shoes that maintenance people can wear that distribute the weight properly so they can walk on them if they have to.