Solar panels have become as much a part of the US energy sector as oil and gas.
But with every advancement in energy-generating technology that we create, there is always an unforeseen issue that appears. Experts have warned any solar panel owner to take care of a problem that could occur regularly, and could affect the longevity of your sun-powered energy system.
Do you have a solar system and have you considered the soiling effect?
How renewable energy has changed the way we power the world
It would not be an understated reality to note that the renewable energy sector has changed our society as a whole.
Our reliance on the older traditional energy processes has led us down a path of self-destruction. The solar sector started the clean energy revolution as homeowners aimed to simply reduce their monthly bills around the 1980s.
The vast majority of nations across the world have committed to revolutionizing their energy industries.
Most have set a target of net-zero emissions by the end of the coming decade and have taken drastic steps to ensure they meet their lofty ambitions. But more could be done, and a lot faster.
Green energy: the best method to save the planet by far
The oil and gas sectors have started the ball rolling on our progress as a society.
But as the impact of this generational reliance has become clear, most people have opted to install solar panels while nations construct huge new wind farms to alleviate the burden on the national grid.
Radical new designs in clean energy generation are becoming more common.
And the overarching realization that the situation needs to change has not been lost on our leaders and heads of state. However, as we said, even such a promising energy market as solar power has its own unique problems that need to be considered.
Wind power has made great strides forward, but wind farms require huge plots of land to construct, and even then, they might not meet the energy needs of the region.
Despite all the issues faced by the renewable energy sector, it stands as the best method to reduce our collective impact on the environment.
Decarbonization has become not only a possibility for the energy market but a necessity. As some states see their wind turbines idling, despite near-perfect wind conditions, other states now have another concern to think about regarding solar power.
Solar panel owners have a new concern they need to keep in mind
As bright as the solar power sector has become, some states may see their panels becoming “soiled”.
Solar soiling refers to the buildup of dirt, soil, mud, bird droppings, and any other airborne particles that may collect over time on solar panels. Based on new environmental reporting, some states see more soiling than others.
3 states most at risk of soiling
- The Golden State of California: Due to the high population density and iconic smog in LA, the state is most at risk of solar panel soiling. This has become more prevalent in the Los Angeles Basin and Central Valley as both regions have large agricultural sectors.
- The arid Arizona problem: This state sees the accumulation of heavy dust particles due to the vast stretches of desert that encompass the region.
- The Lone Star State: Texas has a similar issue, as it also boasts huge solar farms that are affected by dust buildup.
Experts have noted that other regions in the nation are at risk of solar soiling, such as Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.
The findings have caused some to see solar power as a waste of time, but the reality is that with a little forethought and planning, soiling can be avoided.
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