Solar panels get a potential 30 percent energy yield loss per year if they are not cleaned every month. If your solar panels are covered in dust, filth, or grime, the output of your system may be diminished. This limits the efficiency as the sun gets blocked. Rain will be adequate to clean your solar panels as long as they are not placed entirely flat.
You may have greater dust coverage than the usual solar system if your panels are close to factories, busy highways, or farms, and the wind frequently blows dust at them. If you reside in a location where rainfall is scarce, manually clean your panels as dirt accumulates. Before and after it rains, keep an eye on your panels to see whether they’re clean.
How to Clean Solar Panels
Although natural rainfall will often wash away dust or dirt particles, you may need to assist it with your garden hose. When it rains, dirt accumulates at the bottom edge of the solar panel, clogging the lower PV cell row and limiting the production efficiency. Before cleaning, make sure your system is completely shut down according to the shutdown procedure outlined in your user handbook. Water should not be directed onto the back of your panels or into the space between them and your roof. Use a soft cloth and mild soap to remove stubborn dirt. You won’t need any special cleaning products or solar panel cleaner; just water and gentle soap will suffice. Detergent and abrasive powders should be avoided. Once every 6 months, cleaning with soap is suggested.
Cleaning your solar panels with a hose or a pail of room-temperature water is the most effective method. Warm water should not be used in solar cleaning systems. In a similar way to how you would wash your automobile at home. When cleaning your solar panels, avoid using a high-pressure water sprayer. Solar panels can be damaged by a high-pressure attachment that discharges water at pressures more than 35 bar. Stains that solidify and adhere to the panel, such as bird droppings, should be removed as soon as possible. Make sure you don’t overclean your system. Weekly cleaning should be adequate unless there is a substantial amount of dust in your region.
Getting Rid of Tough Stains
If the self-cleaning solar panels are covered in hard-to-remove stains like a bird dropping, rain or a hose would not be sufficient. In such cases, you can use a cleaning tool. Make sure the brush you’re using is soft and clear of harsh bristles. Sponges are excellent for cleaning solar panels because they do not scratch them. If you opt to use a little soap on your sponge, be sure it’s something you’d use to clean your dishes with. Laundry detergents and other harsh chemicals may have a negative impact on your solar panels. Remember that in 99 percent of circumstances, pure water is the best option for a solar panel cleaning system.
Things to Keep in Mind
The combination of heated glass on your panels and chilly water might enhance the risk of cracking due to a temperature fluctuation. Furthermore, if the panels are exposed to the scorching sun, the soapy water you’re using to clean the panels will evaporate fast, leaving a residue or smear on the panels that could reduce their effectiveness. The best way to clean solar panels is when it’s done in the early morning when it is cool. Dew that has accumulated on the solar panels overnight may have softened the filth and grime, requiring you to use less water and energy to clean them. If you can’t clean your solar panels early in the morning, a gloomy day or a nice, cold evening are also good options.