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Egyptian systems keep solar panels free of desert dust (Level A1) — Pyramids visible over buildings and street traffic

Egyptian systems keep solar panels free of desert dustCEFR A1

21 Oct 2025

Adapted from Hazem Badr, SciDev CC BY 2.0

Photo by kai muro, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
74 words
  • Researchers in Egypt make two systems.
  • Dust makes solar panels less efficient.
  • First unit was placed in Cairo's Fifth Settlement.
  • Vibration system shakes panels two times daily.
  • It runs at noon and at 3am.
  • A wind system moves panels with the wind.
  • Field trials show smaller power loss.
  • Conventional panels lost 33 per cent in six weeks.
  • Vibration plus coating lost only 12.9 per cent.
  • Cleaning one lamppost panel can cost 200 Egyptian pounds.

Difficult words

  • panelA flat surface used in electricity.
    panels
  • dustSmall, tiny pieces of dirt.
  • efficientWorking well without wasting energy.
  • createTo make something new.
    created
  • cleanNot dirty or marked; pure.
    cleaning
  • vibrationA quick shaking movement.
    vibrations
  • expensiveCosting a lot of money.

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Why do you think self-cleaning panels are important?
  • How would dust affect other types of technology?
  • Do you believe self-cleaning technology will become more common?

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