The solar panels are built to be low-maintained and simple to repair. Nevertheless, perfect performance and output can be achieved only when the panels are always kept clean of dust and dirt. A layer of dust on panels can reduce the effectiveness of solar power.
For the most part, solar panels are operationally reliable, but the amount of sunlight available to the PV cells is an important factor that determines their productivity. Thereby, knowing what cleaning methods to use is very critical. Read on the step-by-step manual to avoid dust and debris accumulation, keep the panels squeaky clean and keep your system's power output uninterrupted.
Why Do You Need To Keep Solar Panels Clean?
Regular cleaning of the solar panels is equally important to guarantee unobstructed exposure to the sun, which in turn will improve efficiency and energy output. Research has proven that soiling solar panels lose efficiency between 15% and 25% which, in turn, can greatly affect their performance.
The practical effect of this is that it translates to real financial impact. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), this could lead to a 7% reduction in the energy output from your solar panels in any one year. Over the course of the solar panel system's lifetime, this can translate into a considerable reduction in savings by around $2,000 on average.
In order to protect your investment and see a full return on the installation of a home solar energy system, frequent cleaning is crucial. The hygiene standards that you have set, achieve the dual effect of enhancing energy production while extending the lifespan of your solar panels. This ensures that you enjoy the benefits for years to come.
How Often Solar Panels Need Cleaning?
Generally, cleaning the solar panels at least once or twice every year is sufficient for many regions. While some things may call for more attention on a regular basis, others might need less. In the areas of the southwestern United States where precipitation is scarce, dust and dirt deposition can stay at a higher level, causing the need for extra care
In addition, a high degree of wildlife activity may be associated with soiling of surfaces being done quickly, mostly from bird droppings. Installing solar critter guards can help to mitigate the problem in a very effective way.
In addition to the positioning of the panels, the installation angle may have an effect as well. The panels on flat roofs or at a slant may require more regular cleaning, as the rainwater and debris are trapped at the roof , so they are not able to wash away the dust and grime as easily.
Steps To Follow While Cleaning
Rain washes off most of the contaminants on Solar panels. However, regular cleaning is still a necessity. Fortunately, it’s quite a simple job to clean solar panels by yourself. Listed below are some steps you need to follow for solar panel cleaning:
Safety First
The first step towards the cleaning process would be the implementation of the safety measures. First, shut down the solar panel system to render any electrical hazards impossible. Moreover, use gloves to protect your hands from cutting edges and falling debris, and wear glasses to prevent the injury of your eyes from the splash or flying particles.
Gather Supplies
Cleaning can be done effectively if all the materials and tools are gathered beforehand. Begin with a soft brush that has a long handle and then move on to the next steps. Choose mild detergent or soap that does not leave any residue and does not damage the exterior of panels. Warm water in a bucket is the base of the cleaning solution which will make it possible to remove all the dirt and grime. Ensure that you have a hose with a spray head that will help you to give you a constant flow of water for rinsing purposes. Finally, secure a soft, non-scratching cloth or sponge to dry the panels after cleaning, leaving them with no traces of water on the surface.
Decide on a Suitable Cleaning Time
Choosing the right timing for cleaning your solar panels is vital to keep safety and effectiveness. It is advisable to skip cleaning of the panels during times of direct sunlight like during the scorchingly hot summer months when the panels can overheat. On the contrary, it is advisable to do the exercise during cool times of the day like the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun’s intensity is not at its peak.
Thoroughly Rinse the Panels
Measure the accumulation of dust and debris on your solar panels to find out what cleaning method is appropriate. In most instances, a good clean with a garden hose is all that is necessary for removal of surface dirt and macro-debris. Keep away from power washing as the force is too strong and this may lead to the panel being damaged and even the seams and framing becoming compromised.
Make a Cleaning Solution
Fill a large bucket with warm water, and add any soft, non-abrasive cleaning solution or soap to it. It could be a mild, non-abrasive cleaning solution. Depending on the panel's material and the manufacturer's instructions, you may need to use a special glass cleaner spray. See to it that the cleaning solution is suitable for the panel’s surface in order to evade any damage.
Brush the Panel Surface
Bird droppings and pollen as the worst offender, you need a soft yet effective cleaning method to get rid of the stubborn buildup. Use a squeegee or sponge and an extension pole to gently run them over the surface of the panels. The extension pole provides more reach, enabling cleaning of areas that are higher or further away, improving the cleaning efficiency without much physical strain.
Keep in mind that in cleaning your solar panel system, your primary focus should be on the surface of it, not on the other parts of the solar panel. The back of the panel is generally well sealed and as such you need not to worry about the inner wiring. To ensure the system is serving you for as long as possible, it is advisable you clean the surface of the panel thoroughly.
Cost Of Solar Panels Cleaning
The average price for professional solar panel cleaning services is estimated to be between $5 and $15 per panel, hence the total cost for a 20-panel system is $100 to $300. Besides, if you select doing it yourself, you will need to spend around $100 on cleaning materials and you can have extra expenses of ladder purchasing if you don't already have one. In fact, the price of the cleaning service you would like to hire may differ from place to place or depending on the complexity of your solar panel system. Nevertheless, DIY cleaning is more affordable than professional ones.
Do Portable Solar Panels Need to Be Cleaned Regularly?
Portable solar panels usually need less cleaning compared to their roof-mounted equivalents. This is simply because portable solar panels are usually fitted with self-cleaning technologies, including hydrophobic coverings or anti-reflective surfaces, which effectively prevent the dust and dirt from accumulating on the panels. Besides, they are smaller in size and portable, so they are usually moved to cleaner places where exposure to dirt and grime is minimal. However, from time to time wiping the panels with a soft cloth is still helpful to guarantee optimum efficiency. And, here comes the BLUETTI solar panels feature, which is the most advanced one and is well known for reliability in portable solar power solutions:
BLUETTI PV200 Solar Panel
The PV200 solar panel, made with monocrystalline solar cells, is constructed with this goal in mind and has an efficiency rate of up to 23.4% to ensure maximum conversion of sunlight into useful solar energy. The PV200 is simple to deploy – unfold the panels, snap the stands in place, and then adjust the angle to get the most out of the sun. By using an ETFE coating, and a waterproof IP65 junction box, the PV200 is specifically designed to resist scratches and light sprays of water. This means that it is a perfect accessory for outdoor activities When the solar panel is connected, it can be charged by your generator without any additional human intervention all the time the sun shines. This model is built for indomitable and guaranteed performance to give you constant power supply no matter where you choose to adventure.
BLUETTI PV350 solar panel
With its BLUETTI PV350 solar panel, you can be sure of energy generation from the sun's power that is both reliable and cheap. It's great whether you are at home or on the road and you can use it to power devices. Additionally, with the dimensions of 35.624.12.5 inches, the weight of 30.61 lbs, this printer is easy to carry and use virtually anywhere. Manufactured with the help of enhanced laminated technology and long-lasting ETFE material, you no longer have to worry about scratches or cleaning it. It is made to withstand any harsh weather conditions and is resistant to dirt. It is IP65 water resistance that ensures protection against water splashes while keeping it from the direct rain or water submersion. With a 350-Watt monocrystalline solar panel, it achieved high efficiency of up to 23.4% and better performance in low sunlight with a light transmittance of 95%. The secret of the stand is the four fixed stands that guarantee the highest possible panel utilisation and enough sun exposure.
BLUETTI PV420 Solar Panel
The PV420, a high-powered solar panel, will effectively charge your battery with solar power in a brief time, covering your electricity demand and minimising the overall costs. The BLUETTI PV420 provides a whole different way to collect solar energy, due to its revolutionary design which makes it foldable and portable for outdoor or home use. The PV420 has an outstanding 23.4% efficiency converting 2kWh of solar energy daily with 6 hours of prime sunshine, which is enough electricity to power your daily electronics for long periods. Being equipped with monocrystalline solar cells and the multi-layered ETFE, it guarantees high light transmittance, efficiency, and durability. The waterproof ETFE coating surface has a high standard of IP65 and it is resistant to scratches and dust, which is also good at being cleaned with a wet cloth. By adjusting the tilt towards the direction of the highest intensity of sunlight or angle, you can optimise solar power production for your energy-demanding products, without any interruptions in solar supply for all the time.
Final Thoughts
The best cleaning for solar panels possible is the one made with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth or sponge. The cleaning method is useful as it does not affect the panels while it cleans the dirt and debris. Steer clear of using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they use up the efficiency of the solar panels. Cleaning is done on a regular basis so the efficiency is high and the energy output is maximised. Make sure that you clean the system during cooler times of the day and that the system is turned off to avoid accidents. Use the sun's energy in a smarter way by keeping your panels clean and sunny to save the environment.
