The Importance of Solar Panel Cleaning to Shine Bright
Maintaining your solar panels is essential for optimal performance. A buildup of dirt, debris and other pollutants can reduce their output by 15-25%.
Rain can help naturally rinse away many of these pollutants, but for best results it is recommended to hire a professional cleaning service.
1. Debris Buildup
Debris accumulation on solar panels can have a major impact on their performance and efficiency, so it’s essential to regularly clean them. Cleaning solar panels typically involves using some simple tools like a garden hose and scrubber/squeegee for manual work.
The amount of debris that collects on solar panels depends on several factors, including the weather and location. For instance, if you live in an arid or desert-like region with little rainfall, dirt will build up more quickly than those exposed to wetter climates.
When it comes to cleaning your solar panels, the most effective method is a gentle brushing and scrubbing. Brushing will break down dry debris into smaller particles so water can easily remove them with ease.
Next, a high-quality hose can effectively wash away most of the dirt from panels. If it contains distilled or deionized water, this method becomes even more effective at cleaning.
Once the hose water has done its work, a gentle scrub is necessary to get rid of sticky substances like bird droppings or plant resin that could cause serious damage to your panels. Be sure to use an eco-friendly mild soap that does not contain chemicals which could harm or degrade their efficiency and effectiveness.
Cleaning your solar panels should be done on an overcast or cloudy day, as midmorning heat can evaporate soapy water too quickly and leave behind residue which reduces panel efficiency. Furthermore, avoid touching your panels while they are hot as this could cause them to crack, ultimately decreasing their energy output.
2. Dirt
In order to maximize the efficiency of your solar panels, make sure they’re free from dirt buildup. Dirt can restrict sunlight penetration through to your panels and cause them to lose up to 40% of their energy output.
Fortunately, there are methods to clean dirt off your solar panels without damaging them. Use a garden hose to spray soapy water onto the panels and then let them air-dry in the sun.
According to CleanTechnica’s study, solar panels that have not been cleaned in 145 days decrease their energy generation efficiency by 7.4%. Not only do dirty panels reduce output, but they’re harder to clean too – which is why manufacturers recommend regular maintenance for optimal effectiveness.
Your solar panels’ location and setup can influence how much dirt they accumulate. If they’re situated near a highway, airport, farmland or other places where there’s frequent dust in the air, then cleaning may be required more often than those placed in cleaner environments.
You should avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasives on your panels, as they can damage them and reduce performance. For best results, clean them using water from a standard garden hose and mild detergent.
This process is straightforward and can be completed anytime of the week if it’s not too sunny or hot. Remember to never use a pressure washer to clean your panels as this could scratch them and reduce their power production.
3. Dust
Your roof’s solar panels are exposed to the elements, so regular upkeep is necessary in order to keep them functioning optimally. This includes keeping them clean which can help them produce more electricity than they would naturally.
In some parts of the country, such as Utah, there can be long stretches without rain – leaving solar panels vulnerable to dust buildup and other dirt accumulation. Luckily, this will usually be washed away by a subsequent storm; however, there may be times when the dust proves more challenging to remove.
Researchers have investigated the effects of soiling on solar panels and discovered that it can significantly reduce their performance by 5% or more. While this may seem like a negligible reduction, over the course of one year this small reduction adds up.
Studies have demonstrated that dusty panels can reduce their energy output by as much as 60% or more, particularly in desert climates where a significant amount of dust is likely to collect.
Additionally, solar energy can negatively impact the quality of electricity generated, causing them to produce less than expected and leading to malfunctioning panels.
One solution to this issue is using water to clean your panels. Ideally, this should be deionized or distilled water since it contains higher concentrations of chemicals that make it ideal for cleaning purposes.
When cleaning solar panels, it is best to use a soft scrubber, squeegee or brush as these are more gentle on them than what comes with your power washer’s brushes. Furthermore, make sure to thoroughly rinse your panels with water after cleaning them with water in order to eliminate any residue that might have been left behind.
4. Algae
Algae buildup on solar panels can significantly reduce the power output of a PV system and even cause it to malfunction. Fortunately, cleaning your panels makes a huge difference in its efficiency levels.
For optimal performance and optimal cleanliness of your solar panels, use water and a soft, non-abrasive sponge. Anything else – like laundry detergent or soap – could potentially harm the performance of your panels.
These cleaners, in addition to being abrasives, can damage your panels’ surface and cause cracks. So if you decide to use one, be sure to rinse it off thoroughly before reattaching them back onto the roof.
Recent research has demonstrated that monthly cleaning of PV panels can increase power output by 13.1% compared to an annual clean. The experiment was conducted on a low-slope roof and compared the energy yield before and after cleaning.
Some companies install programmable sprinkler systems to automatically rinse their panels away. These are ideal in dry climates and can save you the effort of having to hose off each panel manually.
These devices can be used with both flat and inclined arrays. Furthermore, since they don’t use water, they make for an ideal choice for people living in desert locations who don’t want to have to climb a ladder to clean their solar panels themselves.
Researchers in Spain have devised a sensor-based solution that monitors soiling on solar panels and alerts users when dirt begins to reduce output. The US National Renewable Energy Laboratory is also working on similar technology using LED lights to detect when dust begins to build up on panel glass surfaces.
According to your location, cleaning your solar panels once or twice a year is recommended. Desert regions like the Southwest US may need more frequent cleaning due to dirt accumulation.
5. Birds
The performance of solar panels is directly affected by the amount of dust that collects on them. Dust blocks sunlight from reaching the cells, leading to lower energy output. Bird droppings, in addition to dust accumulation, are another major culprit for decreased performance from solar panels.
Regular cleaning of your solar panels is essential to keep them working optimally. A soft cloth or brush and some mild cleaner should be used to give them a deep-down clean, guaranteeing they remain in optimal working condition.
However, you should avoid using abrasives and harsh chemicals on your solar panels as these can damage their delicate components. Instead, opt for mild cleaners designed specifically for this purpose.
Ideally, you should clean your panels twice a year to maintain their optimal working condition and extend their lifespan.
Most solar systems are designed for self-cleaning, featuring an intelligent system that detects dust accumulation on panels and then activates a cleaning mechanism. This can improve your system’s performance and efficiency.
The system utilizes mechanical and electronic components to regulate the movement of a brush that removes dust from panels. It is also capable of automatically turning off the device when dust accumulation falls below a preset threshold.
The system can detect bird droppings and automatically clean them away. Left untreated, these droppings could impede a string-inverter PV system’s capacity to convert DC electricity into alternating current (AC) power for your home or business.