Proper cleaning and regular maintenance of solar panels is important to increase their productivity. Over time, panels collect dust, dirt, and debris on the surface. It decreases the panel’s ability to capture the sunlight. Rain removes dirt, but occasional manual cleaning helps panels deliver the best performance.
This blog will discuss the maintenance tips that will help maintain the roof solar panel for improved efficiency and durability.
So let’s get started without further ado.
Why Clean Your Solar Panels?
Impact of dust, dirt, and debris on roof solar panels and their performance
- Reduced power generation: A layer of dirt on the panels’ surface can block sunlight and decrease energy production.
- Shortened lifespan: When panels are dirty, they are more likely to face overheating issues. It can cause permanent damage as well.
- Increased fire risks: The layer of dirt has moisture that leads to solar panel system failures and electrical faults.
Benefits of regular cleaning for homes and solar panels for businesses
Regular cleaning of panels offers some benefits for homes and businesses.
For homes
- Clean panels capture more sunlight and increase electricity generation.
- Frequent cleaning of panels reduces electricity costs and grid power dependency.
- It extends the panel’s lifespan by avoiding overheating and long-term damage issues caused by dirt layers on the surface.
- It improves aesthetic appeal, as well-maintained panels make your home look clean and appealing.
- It helps to reduce the risk of electrical faults and collapse.
For businesses
- Clean panels generate more energy and help businesses to increase ROI and offer financial benefits.
- It makes sure that commercial operations that depend on solar power work well by generating energy consistently.
- It cuts the long-term maintenance cost as businesses can avoid productivity loss and expensive repairs.
- Regular cleaning helps businesses in polluted regions avoid airborne pollutants and debris and maintain the best panel performance.
- It helps improve brand image as it shows businesses choose eco-friendly practices. It generates trust among customers, investors, and stakeholders.
How Often Should You Clean Your Solar Panels?
The frequency of panel cleaning depends on different environmental factors.
Factors Influencing Cleaning Frequency
- Location: The location of solar panel installation, like urban areas with a high level of pollution, may need more frequent cleaning compared to rural areas.
- Climate: In the dry and dusty areas, dirt generates faster compared to rainy areas, as rain cleans the panel’s surface naturally.
- Air pollution: Industrial areas get dirtier more quickly due to air pollution and bird activities.
Signs That a Solar Panel System Needs Cleaning
- Drop in energy production: If a solar panel system generates less electricity compared to usual production, the buildup of a dirt layer could be the reason.
- Visible dirt or debris: Dust, bird droppings, or pollen can cover the panel’s surface and decrease the absorption of sunlight.
- Higher electricity bills: If the dependency on the grid power increases unexpectedly, the dirty panels could be the reason that reduces energy production.
Safe & Effective Cleaning Methods
Recommended Techniques for Cleaning Roof Solar Panels and Ground-Mounted Panels
- Soft Water & Non-Abrasive Sponge: Use soft or distilled water with a microfiber cloth or sponge. It gently removes dirt without any scratching on the ground-mounted panels.
- Solar Panel Cleaning Kits: Specialized cleaning kits have soft-bristle brushes, squeegees, and environment-friendly soap. It ensures safe and good panel surface cleaning.
- Low-Pressure Hose Rinse: A low-pressure rinse with a garden hose can remove dust and debris. It is necessary not to use washers with high pressure as they can damage the panels.
- Early Morning or Evening Cleaning: Cleaning of panels during cooler hours, like early in the morning or evening, saves from quick water absorption and streaking.
DIY vs. Professional Cleaning for Solar Panels for Business
| Aspect | DIY cleaning | Professional cleaning |
| Cost | Lower, you need only basic cleaning tools for the panels | Higher, but make sure to clean the panels thoroughly |
| Accessibility | Suitable for easily reachable panels | Suitable for large-scale or hard-to-reach installations |
| Safety | Risk of injury if working on rooftops | Trained professionals use proper safety gear |
| Effectiveness | Removes surface dirt but may miss deeper grime | Uses specialized tools for thorough cleaning |
| Time Investment | Requires regular maintenance and effort | One-time service with long-lasting results |
| Risk of Damage | Improper cleaning methods may decrease efficiency | Experts prevent damage with proper techniques |
Best Tools & Cleaning Solutions
Safe Cleaning Tools
- Microfiber Cloths, which are soft and non-abrasive, are ideal for wiping without scratching the panel surface.
- Soft-bristle brushes remove dirt without damaging the panel surface.
- Low-pressure hose rinsing, clear dust and debris.
- Squeegees with extension poles are useful to reach rooftop panels safely.
- Solar Panel Cleaning Kits include specialized tools that help with safe maintenance.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Options to Protect the Solar Panel Installation
- Distilled Water helps to prevent mineral buildup and streaks.
- Biodegradable Soap is gentle on the panel’s surface and environmentally friendly.
- Vinegar Solution is a natural cleaner that removes grime without harsh chemicals.
- Bamboo Cleaning Brushes are a sustainable option to plastic brushes.
- Reusable Spray Bottles allow controlled use of eco-friendly solutions.
The KP group is advancing solar automation through its KPI Green OMS division. It is an expert in walter-less solar panel cleaning, designed to increase productivity. This robotic cleaning system received official approval from Nextracker USA. It shows how compatible it is with the global solar tracker system and establishes its position in the renewable energy sector.
These robots improve solar panel performance by decreasing water consumption with,
- Smart monitoring
- Autonomous operation
- Advanced cleaning mechanism
Preventive Maintenance Tips
Strategies to Reduce Dirt Buildup and Improve Solar Panel System Efficiency
- Install panels at an optimal tilt, as properly angled panels allow rainwater to naturally wash away dust and debris.
- Use anti-reflective and self-cleaning coatings as they help prevent the buildup of dirt layers and improve sunlight consumption.
- Reduce shade by trimming nearby trees and vegetation, and prevent leaves from growing on panels.
- Perform regular visual inspections, like checking for dust, bird droppings, or debris, as it blocks maximum sunlight absorption.
- Installing mesh barriers protects panels from pests. It keeps birds and rodents away from residing under the panels.
Long-Term Care Practices for Solar Panels for Businesses
- Scheduled professional maintenance includes annual inspections. It makes sure that the panel delivers the best performance as well as identifies early signs of wear.
- Using tracking software to monitor energy output and identify efficiency drops that may indicate cleaning panels.
- Take weatherproofing measures to ensure that mounting structures are secure against extreme weather conditions like strong winds and heavy rains.
- Maintain supporting components like the battery and the Inverter in good condition to increase energy storage and conversion.
- Adjust the cleaning routine of panels based on dust levels, pollution, and environmental conditions.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance of solar panels not only increases energy production but also extends lifespan of solar panel. It decreases the risk of damage, overheating, or system failures.
No matter it is a residential or commercial installation, frequent cleaning helps avoid unnecessary costs and maintains the best performance. By integrating environment-friendly solutions and scheduled inspections, homeowners and businesses can ensure that the solar investment keeps delivering the best output.
Giving priority to panel cleaning is a simple but important step for sustainable energy production.
Source: https://www.kpigreenenergy.com/cleaning-solar-panel-quick-and-easy-maintenance-guide