Read the excerpt: 'While early solar photovoltaic installations suffered significant efficiency degradation in extreme desert ambient temperatures, modern bifacial monocrystalline modules maintain higher operational stability. Furthermore, automated robotic dry-cleaning systems mitigate dust accumulation without consuming scarce local groundwater.'
What can be inferred about the primary challenge of maintaining solar installations in arid desert environments?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Both high thermal ambient temperatures and atmospheric dust deposition threaten operational efficiency

  1. Step 1: Synthesize passage facts: The passage mentions two major challenges: 'extreme desert ambient temperatures' causing efficiency degradation and 'dust accumulation' requiring cleaning.
  2. Step 2: Analyze technological solutions: Modern bifacial modules counter thermal degradation, and robotic dry cleaning addresses dust without wasting groundwater.
  3. Step 3: Select conclusion: Both high heat and atmospheric dust deposition threaten operational efficiency.
Answer
Both high thermal ambient temperatures and atmospheric dust deposition threaten operational efficiency.
Why not the others: 'Consuming fossil fuels for cleaning' is contradicted by automated robotic dry cleaning; 'Bifacial modules unable to function' contradicts their operational stability; 'Groundwater abundantly available' is contradicted by 'scarce local groundwater'.

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