Solar panels are a smart investment if you want reduced utility costs and a cleaner and more sustainable future. However, cleaning solar panels regularly is essential to ensure their longevity and maximum energy efficiency.

Many may think that cleaning solar panels can be a daunting task. Additionally, it is presumable that maintaining a solar panel will take most of your time and effort. In this article, we will help you explore tried-and-tested tips on how to clean solar panels.

Importance of Cleaning Solar Panels

Solar panels are exposed to elements like dirt, dust, pollution, and even bird pooping. So, over time, it can build up on the surface of the panels, which can directly affect the efficiency of the solar panel. It might be a good idea to monitor whether there is a sharp or gradual decline over time.

Studies done on the ‘Effect of dust accumulation on the performance of photovoltaic modules for different climate regions’ revealed that dirt accumulation in solar panels can reduce their production by 5-25%, depending on the level of contamination. Therefore, it’s important to clean the solar panels to ensure they operate at peak performance.

5 Tested Tips and Methods to Clean Your Solar Panels Efficiently

While rainwater can remove the accumulated dust and helps clean solar panels on roof, it isn’t an effective method to remove all the dirt at the bottom of the panel. Here are 5 effective practices to clear the solar panel.

Solar Panel Robot

Robotics technology is enabling companies to produce completely automatic and semi-automatic solar panel cleaners like SolarCleano F1A. SolarCleano F1A is a fully automated solar panel dry-cleaning robot that runs at a speed of 40m/min. It offers cleaning on wide surfaces such as greenhouses, carports, and shed roofs.

Manual Cleaning

To clean the solar panel by hand, start by gently removing any loose debris from its surface. Use a soft cloth or brush, a water hose, and soapy water. You can gently rinse the panels with a hose to remove the loose dirt and hardened residue before scrubbing.

Waterless Vibration

Waterless vibration is yet another effective method that can be operated automatically using an electric motor. This method doesn’t require any harmful chemicals, and is relatively easy.

Electrostatic Dust Removal

The electrostatic dust removal method uses an electric charge to stimulate dust particles on the surface of the solar panel. This method involves coating the top of the panel with a transparent conductive surface coated with aluminium-doped Zinc oxide, which repels dirt, dust, and other debris from solar panels when voltage is applied.

Cleaning solution

When choosing cleaning solutions, choose a solution with a neutral pH that is safe for the environment and free from harsh chemicals. You can also make your own cleaning solutions by combining dish soap, water, or one part vinegar to eight parts water.

Do’s and Don’t When Cleaning Solar Panel

Here are do’s and don’s on how to keep solar panels clean.

Do’s

The most effective way to wash solar panels is with a hose or a bucket of warm water. Essentially, you would wash your car at home in the same manner.
Be careful about using harsh soaps & detergents, as some soaps can leave a film or residue that not only leaves a mark but also attracts dirt to stick to the surface and manifest longer.
Clean solar panels when they are moist or wet to ensure any dirt or residue stuck on them can be wiped off easily.
Running a hose along with the panels for dirt removal on a regular basis would be highly beneficial.
Stains that solidify and stick to the panel, e.g., bird droppings, need to be removed as soon as possible.
The best time for cleaning the panels is early morning or late evening. During peak hours, not only are the panels too hot, but you may also lose a significant generation.
Invest in a monitoring system to track daily energy production and detect any fluctuations in performance. Regularly review monitoring data to identify any issues or anomalies that may require attention.
Keep solar panels out of shade to ensure maximum sunlight absorption and energy production. Trim any overhanging branches or foliage that may cast shadows on the panels.

Don’ts

Never use an abrasive sponge or soap for cleaning your solar panel rooftop, as they may hamper the anti-reflective coating and scratch the glass. Both these conditions will render the panels void of their warranty. The best way to clean solar panels is with a soft rag or non-abrasive sponge.
It is important not to use harsh materials when cleaning solar panels as they could cause damage.
Avoid extremely high-pressure water sprayers when washing off your solar panels. A high-pressure attachment discharging water at pressures greater than 35 bar can damage the solar panels.
Do not overclean your solar panel system. Unless there is a significant amount of dust in your area, a weekly cleaning should suffice.

For any further queries or information on solar panel cleaning and recommendations from experts, reach out to us at Fenice Energy.

Top 5 things you should consider before opting for solar

5 factors you should know before installing solar panels at your place:

Using solar energy is the most eco-friendly and sustainable way to reduce your ever-increasing energy bill.
But many consumers come across this prominent question “What to consider while buying solar panels?” or “What are the things to consider before installing solar panels at your location?”

Here in this article, we have tried to answer this question.

Choosing a solar panel that will match your requirements and support your roof’s durability is an important decision since solar panels are going to be on your roof for 25 to 30 years.

Types of solar energy systems

When it comes to the thinking of installing solar panels the energy requirement and location become crucial tasks.

In key urban cities where there are minimal power cuts, an on-grid solar energy system is most suited which is connected to the power grid system and is the most common type used in residential applications.If the location is a tier 2 city where power cuts are common, a hybrid solar energy system (combination of on-grid and off-grid) would be a good option to opt for, thus ensuring a reduction in electricity bills and also catering for energy during power cuts as well.

If the location is an isolated one with no grid connection, then an off-grid system is the best option. In an off-grid system, energy is stored in the battery during the daytime when the solar panel generates electricity, and the battery supplies power during nighttime (or cloudy weather).

Rooftop feasibility

To get maximum sunlight on the panels, the rooftop needs to be free from shadows. Trees, tank towers, and headrooms cast shadows over your solar panels which will hamper their performance. Hence, keep the solar panels clean from dirt and leaves to ensure maximum efficiency and keep nearby plants trimmed. Do not make any alterations to your roof which will cast shadows on the solar panels or damage the electrical connections or physically affect the solar panels. If the rooftop is used occasionally, opt for a high-rise elevated design structure which will provide more space.

Modular technology

When going for solar installation, choosing the right type of solar panel is a crucial task to ensure the long life of the solar plant. Solar panels are responsible for converting solar radiation into the required electrical energy.
Solar photovoltaic panels are generally available as full/half-cut monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels.

For residential users, monocrystalline solar panels are the most preferred ones.It’s a wise decision to go for the pro variant (half-cut mono/poly solar panel), as it offers higher efficiency compared to the conventional solar panel in the same size and area.

In the market, one can find different types and brands of solar panels, and choosing the right type and brand of solar panels is a vital task.(Tip: Don’t just go by the brand name or buy the panel which your neighbor might have brought as the type of solar panel varies with the individual energy and space requirement)

Manufacturer & Installer

Solar panel typically is a long-term investment, with a lifespan of a minimum of 25 years. Servicing and maintenance will be done for the panels to ensure optimum performance and efficiency. Hence, it is essential to choose a well-established installer, who provides long-term customer service and a warranty.

Certification

Quality certification and standards for Solar PV systems are essential for safe, high-performing, and long-lasting systems. It is also imperative to put in place an efficient and rigorous monitoring mechanism, and adherence to these standards. Hence, all components of a Solar PV system/ plant must conform to the relevant standards and certifications.

Once you’ve carefully paid attention to these factors, you can make an informed decision to approach the solar installer of your choice.

With Fenice Energy, you can get this installed in 6 Simple Steps!

For more information on our products and services, please visit our website.

More information on solar energy and its benefits can be found on Fenice Energy’s blog section.