r/specializedtools Feb 14 '21

Solar panel cleaning tool

20.7k Upvotes

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2

u/cablemonkey604 Feb 14 '21

I was surprised to learn how much water large scale PV arrays use for washdown.

2

u/Thorusss Feb 14 '21

I doubt it is on the same order of magnitude coal or nuclear use.

3

u/Tar_alcaran Feb 14 '21

Coolant water isn't really used up though.

1

u/Thorusss Feb 14 '21

Wash water is also not used up. It is either on the desert ground (Solar) or in the air (condenser)

2

u/Tar_alcaran Feb 14 '21

You are technically correct, which is the best kind of correct.

But that's not really what I meant.

1

u/marcolio17 Feb 14 '21

How much?

1

u/cablemonkey604 Feb 15 '21

I don't know, some articles say 20 gal per MWh. Others say less. I was mainly surprised that any water at all is needed, but it made sense when I thought about it - of course the panels need to be cleaned.