As of February 2024, more than 6-7 lakh residences in India had switched to solar power, which is a remarkable step in the direction of a more environmentally friendly future. Although this solar surge is incredibly admirable, many households are unintentionally selecting the incorrect suppliers in their haste to switch to solar power, particularly those that overlook the crucial component of solar maintenance.
According to a study by PV Diagnostics and reputable think group CEEW, dust and bird droppings caused 80% of rooftop solar installations to perform poorly. In addition, the lack of maintenance caused these systems’ performance to decline by almost 30% in just two years.
In actuality, even the best solar systems will work poorly without adequate maintenance, resulting in lower efficiency and savings.
Purchasing solar energy is a wise long-term decision that will benefit the environment and save money. To function at their best, solar panels must be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, much like cars and air conditioners.
Cleaning itself is important, but so is employing the right cleaning methods. Debris, dust, and grime buildup on their surfaces can reduce productivity and impair efficiency.
OEM user guides state that using incorrect cleaning methods could damage panels and void your warranty. Poor cleaning techniques might also be dangerous.
This blog discusses how to clean solar panels safely and how often to do necessary maintenance to keep your solar system functioning well for many years.
The Need for Frequent Solar Panel Cleaning
Dust, dirt, and bird droppings can accumulate on solar panels over time, significantly reducing their ability to absorb sunlight and generate electricity. Consider operating a vehicle with a filthy windscreen; although you can still see the road ahead, your vision is impaired. In a similar vein, unclean solar panels continue to function, but less effectively.
Therefore, dust or even bird droppings on the surface of your solar panel can drastically reduce the efficiency of electricity output.
For instance, if the panels are not cleaned for two years, a household with a 3 kW system may see a decrease in electricity generation of about 30%, which eventually results in higher expenses.
Cleaning your panels regularly can prevent these issues.
Reasons Not to Use the Sprinkler Method
Manufacturers do not advise utilizing a sprinkler to clean your solar panels, even though it can seem like a simple solution. Over time, sprinklers may cause more harm than benefit.
1. Remaining water stains
These sprinklers’ unequal water distribution on the panel surface results in water spots. These droplets reduce efficiency by leaving mineral deposits on the panels when they evaporate.
2. Hotspots
Uneven removal of dirt or debris can cause dust clusters, which can cause the solar panel to malfunction in that area and cause the panel surface to heat unevenly. This might put stress on the system and even lead to overheating in specific places, which can accelerate the deterioration of your solar panels and create fire threats.
3. A Persistent Shadow
Sprinklers that are connected to solar panels cast a continuous shadow over that area of the panel, which lowers system efficiency.
Even though panels are made to withstand rain, frequent exposure to water from sprinklers and poor cleaning can hasten deterioration and reduce panel longevity.
How to Clean Solar Panels the Best
The safest and most efficient way to clean solar panels is with nylon bristle brushes, according to solar panel makers.
They are powerful enough to get rid of stubborn dirt and debris, yet delicate enough to avoid scratching. They are therefore ideal for preserving solar panels’ effectiveness over time. A nylon brush guarantees uniform cleaning of the entire panel surface, in contrast to other techniques that could leave spots or omit certain parts. By guaranteeing ideal sunshine exposure and electricity generation, this keeps your solar panels operating at their peak efficiency.
Advantages of Cleaning Using Nylon Bristle Brushes
- No uneven soiling: Using nylon bristle brushes to clean the surface ensures that it is clean and helps prevent the accumulation of dirt patches that could block sunlight and reduce the effectiveness of the panel.
- No hotspots: Using a nylon brush to clean frequently will lessen the chance of localized overheating brought on by dirt accumulations that could damage the panel cells or degrade the system as a whole.
- No danger of fire: A nylon bristle brush reduces the possibility of fire or short circuits while offering a more effective cleaning option.
- No system degradation: Because nylon bristles are soft enough, they won’t damage your panels’ protective glass coating, keeping them clean and extending their lifespan.
How Frequently Should Solar Panels Be Cleaned?
Your geographic location, the climate, and environmental factors like dust buildup or bird droppings can all affect how frequently you need to clean. Your solar panels will function at their best if you clean them every three months. To preserve peak performance and avoid any decline in efficiency, more regular cleaning could be required in tougher settings.
Cleaning is a useful method for clearing the panels of dirt and debris, but it is not a stand-alone fix. To make sure everything is functioning properly, the entire solar system must be inspected on a regular basis. Cleaning won’t fix other issues like wiring or inverter problems, but these examinations can find them.
Additionally, it’s critical that only qualified experts do cleaning and inspections on solar panels.
FAQ'S
Q.1 What time of year is ideal for cleaning solar panels?
To guarantee that severe heat or temperature fluctuations do not harm the panels, the panel temperature and the water used for cleaning must be the same. Therefore, early morning or late evening are the ideal times to clean solar panels.
In addition to the hazard of handling heated-surface panels, cleaning during the hottest parts of the day might result in water evaporating too quickly and producing stains.
Q2. Can I use a pressure washer to clean solar panels?
Yes. Manufacturers of solar panels advise against using a pressure washer since the high pressure can harm the panels’ surface, resulting in cracks and reducing its effectiveness. Use mild cleaning techniques or a brush with nylon bristles instead.
Q3. Do solar panels need to be cleaned?
Yes. Yes, in order to retain optimal efficiency, regular cleaning is required. Although dirty panels can produce less energy, routine cleaning guarantees optimal performance.
Q4. What is the cost of washing solar panels?
Yes. The size of the system, the location, and the state of the panels all affect how much professional solar panel cleaning will cost. To find out how much solar cleaning will cost, get in touch with your reliable solar supplier.