In a recent study, it has been conclusively proved that Sahara desert can generate enough electricity from solar energy to supply the entire world, without anyone having to use fossil fuels, ever again. Indeed, the massive desert region gets bombarded by terawatts of solar radiation every single day. If even 10% of it could be harnessed properly using solar modules and arrays of panels, then at least two of the major continents of the world could probably be supplied with electricity on a regular basis.

So, why is such a massive source of energy not being harnessed on a large scale yet?

Well, there are certain myths associated with the usage of solar modules in desert climates that prevent users from utilizing the technology with an open mind. Here are a few of those myths, and why you should not believe in those:

Dust and sand wreck havoc on all electronic devices, and solar modules must also be similarly affected

3-4 years ago, this statement might have held some merit. However, with the invention of dust covers for solar modules, this is definitely not an issue with solar energy systems any longer. Besides, dust covers are cheap, and only need to be brushed down once a week, in order to ensure that those protect the modules properly.

Solar modules lose efficiency quite rapidly when exposed to sand and dust storms that occur in deserts

Except for high altitude locations, there are hardly any dust-free location on planet Earth. True, solar power modules do lose some efficiency when covered in dust, but that problem can be easily solved by dusting the modules from time to time. Simply wipe the surfaces of the modules with a moist cloth once a week, and you should be able to get maximum benefits from those. Of course, if a dust storm has occurred just a little while ago, then you should dust the modules immediately. In any case, this cannot be a reason to avoid using solar modules in a desert.

Solar panels degrade in performance quite rapidly when exposed to high temperatures

Once again, this statement might have been true a few years ago. However, nowadays specially made cooling units are available for purchase with solar PV modules. And those do not cost too much, either. Simply buy a few such coolers along with the modules, and you should be able to use your solar PV modules without any problems for years to come.

Advancement of science often eliminates problems that may have plagued earlier versions of products. Solar PV modules are no exception to this rule, either. So, if you happen to live in a desert region and are still believing the myths about lack of operational efficiency of solar modules in such regions, then you should definitely stop doing that now.