Solar panel cleaning must be done effectively to continue generating optimal electricity through the solar panel system. The amount of electricity being made and used through solar panels is entirely dependent on the sunlight being absorbed. Due to this, regular solar panel cleaning maintenance is a very important consideration. Whenever the solar panels are not clean, they are considered to be inefficient as compared to otherwise. Solar panels are being used nowadays in different ways such as for the production of electricity for residential and commercial solar electric systems, remote sensing, remote power for cabins, and equipment for telecommunications, which means that the environmental factors vary widely, which in turn affects how often they should be cleaned.
Proper solar panel cleaning is dependent on the environment and weather. For a place where there is seasonal rain or melting of snow, regularly cleaning your solar panels should be done at least twice a year for the solar panel to operate at its maximum potential. Rain or melted snow can naturally clean and wash away the dirt which prevents a decrease in the panel’s ability to absorb sunlight. Over time, even if there is enough rain on a regular basis, dirt can still build up. Therefore, routine solar panel cleaning is still very necessary and cost-effective. For a place with a dry climate or near different falling debris, solar panels must be cleaned more often and must be inspected visually at least once a month to ensure there is no dirt blocking any of its potential to absorb energy from the sun. You can also observe your monthly electric bill to ensure there is a noticeable variation or check through the solar system monitoring app.
Result of Cleaning Solar Panels Poorly
The installed solar panels are designed to operate for 25 to 30 years. To continue optimal generation of electricity, solar panel cleaning must be done effectively. The effect of negligent maintenance is that the accumulated dirt on a solar panel will result in a net loss of energy at a rate of up to 7% annually. The average loss of energy due to solar panels being covered with dirt and debris is 1% to 4.7%.
Newer Solar Panel Cleaning Methods
- Panel Cleaning Combination of Drones and Robots
Solar panel cleaning is possible through autonomous and semi-autonomous drones and robots. A drone can be used as a lightweight robot to place the solar panel in its proper position to clean the different parts of the solar panel. The panel cleaning combinations can include the following methods:
- Traction System: this allows the robot to move or change angle or position on inclined places and cross adjacent panels.
- Estimation and Edge Detection: this navigates the robot to its accurate position.
- Brush and Vacuum: this combination guarantees high-quality solar panel cleaning
- Soft microfiber and airflow: this prevents the destruction of the panels from the high pressure from the water
- Silicon coating on the wheels: this prevents the physical destruction of the solar panels
Aside from the combination, there are portable solar panel cleaner robots available. This can travel easily without the use of rails and can clean itself with a speed of 30 meters per minute. One single robot can clean 5000 square meters per day with a possible rotation of 160 revolutions per minute.
- Hiring a Solar Panel Cleaning Company
Hiring professional solar panel cleaners is one of the more expensive options to maintain optimal efficiency of the solar panels. Professional solar panel cleaners are trained to apply the standards and protocols in doing the job safely and efficiently. You can hire them from a licensed and insured company. They have certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCAP). They make sure to use the high-quality products, which means they do not use corrosive chemicals, and they can offer monthly cleaning services. It takes 2 hours for a professional solar panel cleaning service to complete an average 32-panel system.
- Self-cleaning Nanoparticle Solar Panel Coating
Nanoparticle coating can repel dirt and dust deposition. Because of this, panel cleaning is less frequent and less expensive. It can also make it more efficient to clean.
Nanoparticle coating is considered to be cheap, transparent, non-hazardous, efficient since there is no loss in power conversion, hydrophobic with a water contact angle of more than 110 degrees, resistant to high temperatures, and stable from mechanical forces. This is very easy to use and apply by spraying and wiping. This coating has been validated already according to international standards.
- Waterless No Contact Solar Panel Cleaning System
The pressure from the water can cause damage to the solar panel. Instead of water, electrostatic repulsion can be used to detach dust and dirt from the solar panels. The electrode passes through the above the surface of the panel and transmits an electrical charge to repel the dust and dirt particles. This is utilized automatically or operated remotely through electric motors and guide rails along the solar panel.
- DIY Panel Cleaning
Before considering ‘Do-It-Yourself’ or DIY solar panel cleaning, make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions and warranty of your solar panels, steepness, slipperiness, location and capability of someone to do it on their own while following the safety measures and standards. The following basic procedures can be followed for DIY cleaning:
- Turn off the electric current from the solar panel during a cool, early morning without the sunlight or at night.
- Wear the proper harness with a hard hat, gloves, and ladder support to assure safety.
- Wipe away gently the debris or dirt using a sponge, soft cloth, wiper, or soft-bristled tool.
- Clean the solar panels with a small amount of non-abrasive soap and very low-pressure softened, distilled, or deionized water to avoid damage.
- Monitor solar panel output to inspect the impact of cleaning.
It is safest to clean solar panels from the ground, and it is recommended to hire a professional if solar panel cleaning must be done on the roof instead of on the ground. If your solar panel system is currently under lease, the solar provider can generally cover the maintenance fees under their warranty, resulting in a panel cleaning cost that is either cheap or free.
