With solar power installation being a clean and renewable source of energy, it makes sense to invest in solar panels. However, these solar panels need cleaning to maximise their functionality. Inevitably over time, dust, dirt, bird droppings, and other debris block sunlight from hitting the solar panels, leading to a decrease in energy production. If there is no maintenance or cleaning, solar panels can lose 25% of their efficiency, which results in less energy and higher costs for the consumer. To counter this, some best practices for cleaning and maintaining solar panels do exist.
Why Cleaning and Maintenance Are Important?
Regular check-ups while cleaning the house are really important if you want to maximise the functionality of your solar panels. Dirty solar panels will lead to an increase in both energy production and electricity bills. Proper maintenance of the solar panels also improves their longevity. It prevents any long-term damage or painful repairs in the future. Additionally, a good maintenance routine ensures that there is not a single minute wasted in maximising power production. Not practising maintenance could result in huge inefficiencies with system failures and damage to the solar energy system.
How Frequently Should You Take Care of the Hygiene of Your?
It is based on several aspects, such as the region in which one lives, weather conditions, and the environment. If you live in a dusty region or near a construction site, more regular cleaning is necessary. Likewise, panels installed in the vicinity of trees gather more leaves, sap, or bird droppings, and these together require some action. While rain may wash away some of the dirt, it will take more effort to get rid of the pesky debris. In general, most sources say solar panels should be cleaned at least two times a year. However, if you see a decline in energy outputs, more regular cleaning may become necessary.
Most Effective Guidelines To Clean Solar Panels
Maximising the cleaning of ground mounted solar panels is very important because incorrect actions can lead to partially or damaged panels. The ideal time to clean the panels is before 10 am or after 4 pm when the temperature is cooler. Prime sunlight hours should be avoided as they are likely to maximise evaporation, thus resulting in water being left to streak and have residue. Furthermore, hot panels should not be sprayed with cold water as this will cause thermal shock which results in cracks in the glass.
It is essential to put the right cleaning tools to use when cleaning solar panels. Soft brushes, sponges, or any clean non-abrasive cloths are the best for avoiding scratches on the panel surface. Mild soap and water should work just fine because strong chemicals might damage the panel’s protective coating. Using a spray hose is ideal when rinsing off dirt due to its gentle spray. The use of high-pressure water jets should be avoided because they can crack or loosen the panels.
If solar panel installations are on the roof, safety should always come first. Always try to clean the solar panels from the ground. If using a ladder, make sure it is sturdy. Hiring professional solar panel cleaners is often the best option for tough and risky scenarios.
Solar Panel Maintenance Tips
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to allow solar panels to function properly. One major thing to look at when considering maintenance is checking the panels for damage such as cracks, loose wiring or even discolouration. Severe weather such as hail and storms can damage the panels, so it is important to routinely check that everything is working properly.
Covering every maintenance aspect, make sure to trim any trees or vegetation near the panels. Otherwise, shadows from trees will fall and limit the solar panel’s efficiency while leaves will fall and accumulate on the surface, preventing sunlight from coming through. If trees are pruned, shading problems and excessive cleaning are easily solved.
Things Not To Do When Cleaning Solar Panels
Keeping the solar panels clean is vital, but care should be taken to avoid certain blunders. One such blunder involves washing the solar panels with high-pressure water jets. This could either crack the panels or disrupt the wiring. The right approach would be to use a low-pressure hose for rinsing.
Not washing the panels regularly is another mistake. Homeowners often assume that rain is sufficient to maintain the cleanliness of the solar panels. However, rainwater often brings more filth and mineral residues than it removes. Panel cleaning ensures that they do not accumulate debris that have the potential to make them less effective.
Conclusion
Cleaning and maintaining solar panels is crucial in ensuring their longevity, efficiency, and performance levels. Regular cleaning eliminates dust, dirt, and other obstructions that block the sunlight, while routine maintenance is necessary for issue detection and prevention. Effectively cleaning the panels, monitoring the energy output, and scheduling professional inspections can greatly increase solar panel effectiveness. By doing so, businesses and homeowners can maximise the advantages of solar energy, minimise electricity bills, and care for the environment. These steps ensure that the solar panel system operates smoothly for many years, making it beneficial for the future.
