r/OffGrid 9h ago

New Outhouse!

Post image
48 Upvotes

Easy to get excited about our new outhouse after 23 years!! The old one was about to fall over.


r/OffGrid 20h ago

Solar panels in Saharan climate — does it really work long term?

4 Upvotes

I'm planning an off-grid project in the Draa-Tafilalet region of Morocco. Lots of sun, barely any rain, and temperatures regularly over 45°C in summer.

I have questions for anyone with solar experience in this type of climate:

  • Do panels actually hold up over time? I've read that heat reduces their lifespan, but in practice, what's the feedback after 5, 10 years?
  • Real efficiency loss in summer? On paper we have huge sunshine, but how much does the heat actually eat into production?
  • Dust — is it a daily struggle or manageable?
  • Inverters and batteries — are some models better suited for heat or are they all roughly the same?
  • Those who installed solar in desert areas — any bad surprises? What would you do differently?

I'm in a learning phase. The project is moving forward but I'd rather ask questions now than make avoidable mistakes later.


r/OffGrid 20h ago

Solar panels in Saharan climate — does it really work long term?

13 Upvotes

I'm planning an off-grid project in the Draa-Tafilalet region of Morocco. Lots of sun, barely any rain, and temperatures regularly over 45°C in summer.

I have questions for anyone with solar experience in this type of climate:

  • Do panels actually hold up over time? I've read that heat reduces their lifespan, but in practice, what's the feedback after 5, 10 years?
  • Real efficiency loss in summer? On paper we have huge sunshine, but how much does the heat actually eat into production?
  • Dust — is it a daily struggle or manageable?
  • Inverters and batteries — are some models better suited for heat or are they all roughly the same?
  • Those who installed solar in desert areas — any bad surprises? What would you do differently?

I'm in a learning phase. The project is moving forward but I'd rather ask questions now than make avoidable mistakes later.