As environmental awareness grows and energy costs increase, more homes and businesses are installing solar panels to reduce energy consumption and minimize their carbon footprint. However, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure that solar panel systems continue to operate efficiently. In this article, we will discuss the importance of solar panel cleaning, best practices, and solutions to common problems.
How bad is it if I don’t clean solar panels？
The efficiency of solar panels is directly affected by the cleanliness of their surface. Dust, leaves, bird droppings, and other debris will not only block sunlight, reducing the panel’s photoelectric conversion efficiency, but they may also lead to localized overheating and the formation of hotspots, which accelerate the panel’s aging and shorten its service life.
Studies have shown that clean solar panels produce 20% more electricity than dirty panels.
Therefore, regular cleaning of solar panels can not only improve power output but also extend the solar panel lifespan.
When do I need to clean my solar panels?
A significant drop in energy production is often a sign that the panels need to be cleaned, try cleaning your solar panels when they are not producing enough power.
You can regularly check your solar panels for any buildup of dust, leaves, or other debris.
Homes and businesses that live in dusty or poor air quality areas, or have construction work nearby, may need to clean their solar panels more frequently.
How to Clean Solar Panels & Precautions
Portable solar panels are very easy to clean, just use a damp cloth to gently wipe away surface stains. When cleaning, make sure to avoid the junction box and wire section as most of these parts should not come into contact with water.
For fixed-mounted solar systems, you can follow the steps below to clean your system:
- Choose the right time: Clean in the early morning or evening when the temperature is low to avoid heat buildup.
- Turn off the power: For safety reasons, make sure to turn off the power of the solar system before you start cleaning.
- Use appropriate tools: Use a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaner to gently remove dirt and debris from the panels.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the panels thoroughly with clean water, making sure there is no soap or detergent residue left behind.
Caution:
- Avoid using hard brushes or abrasive cleaners, which may scratch the battery board surface.
- Do not stand or apply gravity directly on the panels, this may cause damage to the panels.
- Consider using a professional solar panel cleaning service and be safe.
Regular cleaning of solar panels is an important part of ensuring the efficient operation of your solar system. By adopting proper cleaning methods and paying attention to safety measures, you can maximize the power generation efficiency of your panels and extend their lifespan. Remember, clean solar panels not only produce more electricity, but they also help you recoup your investment costs faster. By maintaining good cleaning habits, your solar system will continue to provide reliable and efficient service.
Sungold has introduced the latest technology, the PA621 lightweight solar module, which is designed with advanced technology to effectively minimize the hot spot effect triggered by a lack of cleaning or localized shadow shading, ensuring that the panels continue to operate efficiently in a variety of environments. It is particularly suitable for installation on leafy or shade-prone roofs. If you are looking for a high-performance solar panel that can cope with complex environments, PA621 is the ideal choice. Feel free to contact us for more details about this module!
