A solar panel is a collection of cells designed to convert energy from sunlight into a usable form(electric energy). Solar panels are becoming necessary for every family interested in living a sustainable lifestyle.
Panels’ ability to generate power is proportional to the sunlight they receive. Clean solar panels are 30% more efficient than dirty ones.
When the sun’s rays activate the electrons in clean solar panels, the panels generate more power. However, a lot of water is needed while washing solar panels. As a result, scientists are exploring all viable options for cutting down on water waste.
Why do solar panels need cleaning?
The effectiveness of a solar energy system is lowered when solar panels are dirty. These are three arguments for why it’s important to keep solar panels clean. Have a quick look!
- Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule can keep your solar panels in top condition. The need to often replace the panels is avoided as a result.
- Several solar panel manufacturers now include regular cleaning as a requirement of their warranties. If you can’t provide proof of consistent cleaning, your warranty coverage may be null and void. So, to be on the safe side, clean solar cells regularly.
- You may assume cleaning the panels is unnecessary if you live in an area with consistent rainfall, but dust might be floating in the water. This may not be good for the plates.
Steps to clean solar panels
Step 1: Remove the dust using a soft brush
Manual cleaning of solar panels is the most efficient and effective method. Using cutting-edge strategies (such as water-free sprinklers) shows creativity. Yet, dry sprinklers may be rather expensive to purchase.
A soft brush may quickly and easily remove dust from the solar panels. While cleaning the panels, it is important to take care of the brushes. The plates may be broken if you drop anything hard on them.
If you reside in a rural area, dusting the plates without using water should be sufficient since there are fewer dust particles in the air.
Step 2: Use a water hose to spray clean
Solar panels may be cleaned using a water hose, but you should know the water pressure. You may adjust the water’s pressure by using a nozzle.
Cleaning the panel with water requires careful attention to the water’s temperature. There shouldn’t be a significant temperature gap between the solar panels and the water. The glass might break if the temperature changes too much.
You can easily regulate the quantity of water used while cleaning the panels using a water hose.
Step 3: Scrub dirt areas with a soft brush and water
To protect the solar panels from dust, gentle brushing is required.
You may wipe the panels off with a wet cloth and a gentle brush if it’s only dust.
Yet water spraying won’t get rid of grime like bird poop. Thus, try washing it off with gentle soap.
Remember that solar panels might react unfavorably to the chemicals you apply to them.
Step 4: Measure the cleaning effect by monitoring the solar output
When the solar panels have been cleaned with appropriate care and equipment, their efficiency may be evaluated.
The process is successful if the panel produces the necessary power quantity after cleaning.
However, sometimes the dirt gathered on the panels may not come out quickly if you don’t clean them frequently or if you’re cleaning them after a gap of several months. In this case, it’s best to contact an expert.
Remember that the panels will function at their best if installed in a location that gets plenty of direct sunlight.
Step 5: Contact professionals for complex cleaning and maintenance
Weather extremes, pollution, snowfall, and bird poop are just some of the things that may damage solar panels. The panels may become so dirty that insects get trapped inside of them.
The panels will lose effectiveness if dust and other pollutants are not removed. Since cleaning the panels by hand isn’t an option, it’s important to have them serviced by a professional.
A professional will be aware of the specifics for cleaning the panels that you may need to be made aware of. In addition, the system requires periodic monitoring and maintenance to continue supplying energy for longer.
Conclusion
Solar panel installation is costly, but it has far-reaching environmental benefits. Solar panels should be cleaned by the owner regularly. If not, the solar panels will not perform properly and may result in damage significantly.
