Best Tips for Industrial Solar Panel Cleaning
Have you installed a solar panel system for your industry and want to maintain its power output? Then you need to keep up with the cleaning. Solar panels are laid out in the open, and there are many things that can make them dirty and prevent them from running to their full potential. In this article, we will help you learn the best tips to clean your industrial solar panels.
How Do Industrial Solar Panels Work?
Industrial solar panels use the energy from the sun that falls on photovoltaic panels that release free electrons in order to generate electricity. These solar panels are made of silicon, and since they are semiconductors, they create an electrical field with the help of positive and negative layers. These layers are made of boron and phosphorus. The plates generate AC, and an inverter is used to convert it into DC for industries to use.
There are many benefits of using industrial solar panels that can push you to finally install a system. For instance, you will be self-sufficient when it comes to electricity and you will not have to worry about any changes in the grid electricity.
Furthermore, industries contribute greatly when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, and if you want to run a large operation, it is better for you to switch to sunlight. This will help you keep your production as high as you can and ensure that you don’t impact the environment negatively.
Therefore, as an industry, you must think about making the switch to solar so you can not only protect the environment but also ensure that your business excels. However, things do not end there after you have installed the solar panels. You need to ensure that these panels work to their maximum potential, and to do that; you must keep up with the cleaning and maintenance.
Best Tips For Industrial Solar Panel Cleaning
There are several ways you can keep your solar panels clean but you need to ensure that the cleaning methods you use are in accordance with your solar system and will give the best cleaning possible.
Solar panels are not high to maintain but they do require regular cleaning so they keep running to their maximum potential. There are several things that can accumulate on solar panels, for instance, solar panels can gather a lot of dirt, bird droppings, and even fallen leaves. It is very important for you to clean them off properly so the panels can perform at their maximum potential. Here are some of the best tips you can use to clean your industrial solar panels.
Brushes Sponges (Soap-less)
There are many solar companies who have discovered that with the help of deionized water and a brush, they can easily clean the panels without using soap at all. Soap should not be used when cleaning solar panels because soap usually leaves a residue on the panel. Not only will that affect the efficiency of electricity production, but the soap also causes the panels to gather dirt. Therefore, it is best not to use any cleaning agents.
Other companies also use a mixture of sorts such as diluted vinegar and hydrogen peroxide using a brush to remove all the dirt.
Manual
One of the best and most effective ways to clean your solar panels is to hire a cleaning company or ask your solar provider to do it for you. These experts will manually clean your solar panels. These companies have the best tools and experts that help them do the job perfectly.
These companies might even use the latest technologies; you can rely on them to clean the solar panels as expertly as they can. You can trust them to do a good job. They will also ensure that the system remains unharmed and is cleaned thoroughly.
Nanoparticle Coating
This is one of the latest technologies for solar panels. The solar system accumulates a lot of dirt. This is because the material is as such. Dust can easily settle here, and if your industry is in a dusty place, then you can expect a lot of dust on the panels that you must clean regularly.
However, with nanoparticle coating, you will add a film to your solar panels that prevent any dirt or grime from accumulating on them. No matter what temperatures you live in or how dusty the area is, your solar panels will remain safe from dirt accumulation. You can easily clean the panels off with water, and the panels remain as good as new. Furthermore, the coating is transparent. This means that it will not affect the production of electricity.
Robotics
Companies that operate on a large scale can use robotics for their solar panel cleaning. These robots are both automatic and semi-automatic that are designed exclusively to clean solar panels. Robotics is a very convenient option because they can easily clean the solar panels that are in hard-to-reach places. For instance, solar panels on roofs and greenhouses are hard to clean.
You can also get fixed roof robots if you have a bigger installation for your industry and are located in a very dusty area such as the desert. These robots use airflow to clean off the dirt and grime, this is because if they were to use high-pressure water, it would damage the panels and ruin the efficiency. These robots also run on solar power and can easily recharge themselves between each cleaning cycle.
Vibrations
Vibrating solar panels can also be an effective way to clean the surface. Some companies use a DC motor on the panel to vertically vibrate it and get rid of all the dust. With this technique, you can minimize the chances of damaging your solar panels.
How To Know When It Is Time To Clean Your Commercial Solar Panels
It can be difficult to tell if your solar panels need cleaning and maintenance if you are new to the concept of solar panel systems and have only recently installed them.
You Can See The Dirt
One of the most obvious telltale signs of a dirty solar panel is that you can easily see the dust on it. You can climb onto the roof or wherever you have kept your solar panels and inspect them for dirt, bird droppings, and grime.
Once you are convinced that the solar panels are dirty, you must contact an expert immediately and ensure that you clean them as soon as possible so it does not affect the efficiency of your solar panels.
Poor Efficiency
If you have been noticing a drop in the efficiency of your solar panels and there is no reason for that to happen then it is mostly because of dirty solar panels. If dirt is accumulated on solar panels, they will not receive the amount of sunlight they should, and that can affect the production of electricity.
Suppose you feel that the solar panel system is fairly new and the depreciation in electricity generated is higher than normal. In that case, you must consider getting your solar panels professionally cleaned.
Once the surface is completely clean, more sunlight will fall on the panels causing them to generate more electricity.
It Has Been A Long Time
If you want to maximize your solar panel usage and ensure that it produces good amounts of electricity, then you must maintain it properly. Solar panels should be maintained regularly to prevent any dust or dirt from accumulating. It is best to clean your solar panels every year to ensure that they are operating as efficiently as they possibly can. However, you can decrease the duration between every clean cycle if you feel that your solar panel system needs cleaning.
Cleaning Your Solar Panels
If you have a residential solar energy system installed, your solar panels are generally flat, tilted, and on your rooftop. How often do you clean your roof? Probably not very often, most likely never. Why’s that? I hear you saying “Isn’t that what rain is for?” That’s kind of the same logic for solar panels too.
In most cases, you won’t need to clean your solar panels often, if at all. After all, anything that accumulates dirt on them (for example, dust or pollen), will get washed off the next time it rains. There are some times it might make sense to clean your solar panels though. If you’ve got a lot of bird droppings on your panels, rain might not wash these off very readily, so it’s a good idea to clean them off. Also, if you live in a state that’s prone to droughts – or, if it rains, it’s only a very light, misty rain, you might need to clean them every now and then.
Do dirt and debris have an impact on the effectiveness of your solar panels? And if so, how much? Well, yes and no. And, not much. Yes, dirt and debris can affect how much sunlight gets through to convert the light to energy. But, the amount the efficiency is lowered is minute – maybe 5% or less. And, with a typical 5kW solar system, this might equate to about 20 of loss in your energy bill. Not monthly – overall. And generally, even if we are talking about areas with drought, eventually when it does rain, a couple months down the line, everything will be washed away and it might not even be worth it to deal with the hassle of cleaning it in the first place.
How to Clean Solar Panels
If you do decide your solar panels need to be cleaned, there are two main ways of doing it: hire a professional or do it yourself. A lot of solar companies will offer this type of service to you, for a fee of course. They might offer it as part of an annual maintenance service, or suggest you get it done every so often when they come to install the product. The truth is, what you get back cost-wise in your energy bill does not exceed the amount you need to shell out to these companies to perform the work. Solar companies often charge a steep amount to do this cleaning, for not much return on your energy bill.
On the other hand, if you were interested in doing it yourself, you’ll generally have all you need to do it at home. In most instances, it will involve nothing more than a hose, maybe some soap, and you’re good to go. This might be helpful in drought-prone areas as well, because essentially what you’re doing with the hose is the same thing the rain would do if you got more of it in your area.
There are ways to determine if your solar panels need cleaning to begin with. One is physical inspection of the panels for debris, dirt, bird droppings, etc. The other way is the use of a monitoring system that alerts you to how well your solar panels are functioning and performing. This can alert you to any maintenance needs for your system, whether that’s mechanical, electrical, or cleanliness.
What Do You Use to Clean Solar Panels?
If you are interested in cleaning your residential solar panels on your own, there are a variety of products you can use to clean them. But first things first. Check with your solar installers and providers to determine if there is any information about solar panel cleaning, recommendations, and dos or don’ts when it comes to cleaning your system.
The most effective way to clean your solar panels is with a hose and a bucket of soapy water. Essentially, in the same manner you would wash your car at home. Because you don’t want to scratch the panels in any way, it’s best to use just water and a non-abrasive sponge to apply soapy water. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t use any type of high-pressure water sprayer when washing off your solar panels. A high-pressure attachment can damage the solar panels themselves.
If you do use something other than just water – especially to get rid of pesky bird droppings, just make sure what you’re using is soft and hard bristle-free. Sponges are great products to clean solar panels with because they won’t scratch. If deciding to use a little bit of soap on your sponge, use something that you might clean your dishes with. Laundry detergents and other stronger chemicals might interact with your solar panels in a negative way. Remember that plain water works the best in 99% of cases.
Keep in mind that solar panels can be extremely hot when the sun is beating down on them. It’s best to pick a cool, overcast day to clean the panels. Not only to protect yourself from burns, but if you’re attempting to clean the solar panels when it’s extremely hot out, the soapy water you are putting on the panels will evaporate quickly and may leave a residue or smear to the panels which can affect their effectiveness.
Is It Worth It To Clean Your Solar Panels?
Based on the research, experts are leaning toward “no.” And especially if you want to hire a professional company to clean them over the DIY method. The return on investment is just not there to justify the trouble. Let’s take a look at some numbers. On average, when your solar panels get dirty, expect a 5% or less change in output. And that’s just when they’re dirty. In most climates, if there is dust or debris on the panels and their energy output is registered 5% less than other times, the next rain will wash away the debris and the solar panels will return to their optimal efficiency. Even if you live in a drought-prone area – it will rain again.
In addition, most solar panels are tilted to a high enough degree that most buildup will run right off the panel instead of sticking to the top of it. Even with tilted panels, you might have some slight buildup on the lowest panel (because the runoff collects at the bottom) – but the decrease in output based on this alone is so minuscule, it’s not something worth worrying about.
Lastly, it’s a pretty small tradeoff, energy-wise and cost-wise, to climb up on a ladder, get on your roof, and clean your solar panels yourselves. When you think about getting out there and dragging a hose up to the roof to clean them, this point might really start to hit home.
Maintenance and Upkeep
So, in general, let the rain take care of your solar panel cleaning. Monitor your system’s functionality by paying attention to your energy bills and usage month-to-month. If you start to notice changes in your electric bill, maybe it’s time to think about cleaning or some other type of maintenance. If you think fluctuations in your energy bill could be because you need solar panel cleaning, see if the efficiency returns to normal after a good rain. If so, that’s probably the end of it. If you find the functionality is still acting wonky, it might be something electrical that needs fixing instead of just cleaning.
When it comes down to solar panel cleaning though, a visual inspection, a rainwater bath, and you staying on the ground (instead of climbing up a ladder), may be all the solar doctor needs to order.
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Detergent for solar module cleaning and protection
Developed and distributed by Portuguese start-up ChemiTek, the detergent is claimed to reduce water consumption by about 50% and increase energy production by up to 5%. The product was recently certified by the German laboratory TÜV Sud, according to the EN 61215 standard.
The Solar Wash Protect detergent.
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Portuguese start-up ChemiTek has raised €1.2 million in a funding round that saw the participation of Portugal-based investment firms Ganexa Capital, Statusmaneuver, and EDP Ventures, the venture capital arm of national utility EDP.
“It is an investment to expand our reach in the international market, for the enhancement of our sustainable solutions, especially in the solar sector and for new hires,” said ChemiTek CEO César Martins.
The company specializes in the production of a detergent product for cleaning and antistatic protection for photovoltaic modules, solar tiles and solar thermal panels. “Solar Wash Protect is applied by the installers of photovoltaic plants, by solar panel cleaning companies, and solar parks with their own maintenance teams,” a company spokesperson told pv magazine. “In the case of private individuals, the liquid is purchased by the PV system provider.”
According to the manufacturer, the detergent removes all kinds of organic dirt, such as bird droppings. sand. dust. pollen, and resin from the modules and, at the same time, thanks to its antistatic properties, it reduc es the adhesion of dust to the glass. keeping panels cleaner between cleaning cycles. “It also reduces water consumption by about 50% and increases energy production by up to 5%,” the spokesperson went on to say. “The first reason that caught the attention of our researchers who created the product was that a dirty solar panel loses energy production capacity and that if you wash it with just water or with conventional products, the energy production is not as great as with our SWP.”
The product must be mixed with water and has to be applied to the modules using a brush or a mop to remove or loosen the dirt. Then the module must be rinsed with water to remove any dispersed dirt or excess of product left on the panels. The remaining water can be left to dry or be removed with a squeegee.
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The detergent is available in two versions: the SWP50, with a mixing ratio of 1kg of concentrated product to 50 liters of water; and the SWP300, with a mixing ratio of 1kg of concentrated product to 300 liters of water.
The product was recently certified by the German laboratory TÜV Sud, according to the EN 61215 standard and is also claimed, by the company, to have letters of conformity from 12 of the world’s 15 largest panel manufacturers.
“ Chemi T ek allows not only to increase the output of solar panels, maximizing the generation of renewable energy, but also to reduce the need for cleaning and maintenance interventions in solar parks. which will be fundamental for us to accelerate the introduction of solar energy in our networks,” said Luís Manuel, executive director of EDP Ventures.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
Emiliano Bellini
Emiliano joined pv magazine in March 2017. He has been reporting on solar and renewable energy since 2009.
Solar Panel Cleaning and Maintenance: The Best Methods
Solar Panel Cleaning and Maintenance: As more and more people use solar panels to power their homes, it is also important to know how to clean and care for solar panels to keep them working well. Solar panels are exposed to the weather, which can make them dirty and work less well. In this post, we will talk about the best ways to clean and care for solar panels in your home.
Regular Cleaning
In order to ensure that your solar panels are working properly, you will need to clean them often. They must be cleaned at least twice a year. If you live in a dusty or polluted place, then clean the solar panel more than twice. To clean the solar panel, use gentle soap and a brush with soft bristles. With this, the dirt accumulated on their surface can be cleaned properly. Be careful; avoid using rough objects or high pressure water, as these can scratch the surface of the solar panel.
Keep the panels in the shade while cleaning them
Avoid cleaning solar panels when they are extremely hot. You clean them early in the morning or late in the evening. When the sun is not so bright. This prevents the panels from getting too hot and the cleaning fluid from drying up too quickly.
Do not use strong chemicals
When you clean your solar panels, don’t use harsh chemicals. Such chemicals can damage the surface of the panels and make them less effective. Instead, gently scrub away dirt with a combination of water and mild soap.
Look for problems
Check your solar panels regularly for damage, such as cracks or chips. If you notice any damage, you should have the panels repaired by a professional. Damaged panels can make your solar system less efficient and produce less electricity.
Trim the trees around the solar panels
Trees and other plants near your solar panels can block the sun, making them less effective. For this, pruning of any tree or plant can be done. So that your panels can get proper sunlight. “Keep in mind that you should avoid cutting any tree or plant, as it helps keep your environment cool.”
Routine Check-up
Make sure your solar panels are performing well by checking them often. An expert can look at the panels to see if there are any signs of damage or low efficiency and can repair them if necessary.
Lastly, you need to clean and care for your home solar panels to make sure they keep producing as much electricity as possible. By using these tips, you can keep your solar panels in good condition and get the most out of the money you invest in solar energy.
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How Do I Clean My Solar Panels?
So, you just bought solar panels, and now you’re wondering how to take care of them. Luckily, solar panels are pretty low-maintenance, but that doesn’t mean you can skip out on cleaning them. After all, dirt and grime will reduce their efficiency and keep you from getting the most bang for your buck.
Let’s take a look at how to clean solar panels, whether it’s worth the effort to do so, and how solar panels get dirty in the first place.
How Solar Panels Get Dirty
When you consider the fact that solar panels are outside, it seems obvious that they’d get dirty. They’re subject to frequent weather changes, bird droppings, debris buildup, and dirt. It really doesn’t matter what kind of climate you’re in, there’s always an environmental factor that can leave its mark on your panels (temporarily, at least).
For desert dwellers, the biggest culprit is dirt and dust. Whether you’re driving around in your RV or your solar panels are stationary, chances are, you’ll need to clean them frequently to keep them working properly.
If you’re in a more humid climate, you’ll have to deal with things like fallen leaves, bird droppings, pollen, and more. It’s easy to underestimate what nature can do to our equipment!
Can You Clean Solar Panels?
Absolutely! Cleaning solar panels doesn’t need to be a big deal, but there are a few important factors to keep in mind–learning how to clean your solar panels, what equipment you need, and the safety measures you should take will set you up for success.
You might also consider hiring a professional under certain circumstances. Most notably, if you can’t safely reach your panels, you’ll want to call a pro. Ultimately, the most important element to consider is safety before you decide to climb onto your house, RV, or boat roof with a bucket of soap and water.
Does Cleaning Solar Panels Make a Difference?
This is probably the number one question asked when it comes to cleaning solar panels: Does it really make that much of a difference? Surprisingly, it does.
In fact, one homeowner found that her solar panels’ energy production was lagging even though she lived in a climate that experienced significant rainfall. After cleaning her panels, she noticed a 20% spike in energy production! This shows how important cleaning your panels is, regardless of where you live.
Solar panels work by capturing the sun’s energy. If those rays are deflected by dirt, they’ll never reach your system. While this may seem minor day-to-day, over the lifetime of the panels the energy loss can be significant.
How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels?
A good rule of thumb is to clean your panels about every six months. This prevents pollen, dirt, and grime from getting “baked on” during sunny days, which can leave a film that’s hard to scrub off. Nevertheless, if you live in a dry, dusty climate or you’re traveling with them on your RV or boat, you might want to clean them more often.
For instance, if you happen to drive down a particularly dusty dirt road, consider hosing them down once you get to your destination, regardless of when your last cleaning was. This will keep your solar panels operating at maximum efficiency.
What Should You Use to Clean Solar Panels?
With all this talk about how important it is to clean your solar panels, you’re probably wondering what materials you’ll need.
The first (and most obvious) is water. Admittedly, sometimes all you’ll need is water. If you’ve recently fully cleaned your solar panels and you just want to remove dirt and dust, simply hose them off.
Nevertheless, your regular cleanings should involve water, a mild biodegradable soap, a soft cloth or sponge, and a squeegee. Once you have these materials, you’re ready to start cleaning.
How to Clean Solar Panels
Below we discuss how to clean solar panels step by step. So grab your soap and your hose, and keep scrolling!
Step 1: Turn Off Your Solar System
The first and most vital step you should take is to turn off your solar system. This is important not only for your safety but also for your system’s health. There should be a shut-off switch between the panels and the batteries, depending on your system.
Step 2: Make Sure Panels Are Cool
This is crucial because when solar panels are hot, moisture will evaporate almost immediately when applied, potentially leaving a film of soap and grime. Not to mention, you could burn yourself!
To avoid this, plan to wash your panels in the early morning or late in the day.
Step 3: Hose-Off Dust and Dirt
Now that you’re ready to start the cleaning process, hose off the dust and dirt. This will prevent unintentional scratches from occurring when you begin to wipe them down. It also helps you see spots that might need a little more attention.
Step 4: Clean Panels with Soft Cloth or Sponge
Next, wet your cloth or sponge (microfiber cloths are ideal). Then, apply the mild soap and gently remove the dirt and debris from your panels. Thoroughly rinse them until all the soap is gone. For added measure, use your squeegee, which will show you whether or not your panels are truly clean. (Plus, it’s super satisfying!)
Safety Tips for Cleaning Solar Panels
While cleaning your solar panels is a relatively simple job, you must take certain safety precautions to avoid a potential disaster. First and foremost, never clean your solar panels in inclement weather, and if you find yourself caught in the wind or rain while you’re up there, come down immediately.
Next, collect the proper safety gear. This includes a helmet, non-slip boots, and even a harness. Even if it seems like overkill, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Lastly, never wash your solar panels alone. Have someone on the ground to give you a hand and to be available if you need help.
Is Cleaning Solar Panels Worth the Effort?
Homeowners and professionals have consistently found that cleaning your solar panels regularly keeps them working at maximum efficiency. So, yes, it’s absolutely worth the effort. After all, you’ve invested in this amazing way to harvest energy from the sun, why not get the most out of it?
This is why you must know how to clean your solar panels properly, how often to do it, and how to do it safely. All you’ll need is a few low-cost items and a little time, and your panels should be maintenance-free for another six months or so.
Now we want to hear from you! Do you find it’s worth it to clean your solar panels regularly? Let us know in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев below.