Cleaning is one of the fundamental aspects to correctly use a solar panel installation. As they get dirty, they are less efficient and generate less solar energy. Therefore, it is necessary to learn how to clean solar panels correctly to make the most of its capacity and generate the greatest amount of energy possible. In this article we are going to teach you the fundamental aspects to learn how to clean solar panels and what indicators you should take into account to clean them correctly.
Importance of cleaning solar panels
To better understand the impact of dirt, we can think of solar panels as the windows of a house. If the windows are not cleaned and dust, leaves, bird droppings, or pollen accumulate, the amount of sunlight that enters is less.. Something similar happens with solar panels. Any kind of dirt that sticks to the panels partially blocks the sun's rays and therefore reduces their ability to generate electricity. By not keeping our solar panels clean, we are not only losing efficiency, but we are also compromising the durability of the solar installation. Accumulated dust and other residues can cause long-term problems. In addition to reducing efficiency, we can see the appearance of hot spots, which are areas of the panel that overheat due to the concentration of dirt in specific places. This can cause irreversible damage to the panels.
Keeping solar panels clean It is therefore key to maximising their performance. If they are clean, they capture the greatest amount of solar energy possible, and also allow them to last longer. Maintaining good cleanliness also helps reduce electricity costs by improving energy production.
When do you have to clean them?
It is important to know when to clean the solar panels. Ideally, you should do regular checks and monitor the installation to see the degree of dirt buildup. As a reference, during some seasons of the year, solar panels are more exposed than others. For example, during the fall, fallen leaves from trees can cover the panels. In spring and summer, increased animal activity increases the chance of bird droppings accumulating on the surface. But time is not the only factor. The location of the installation also plays a role. If your installation is near a busy road, dust may accumulate faster. Similarly, in rural areas where there are agricultural fields, it is common for the panels to accumulate more dust during spring and summer due to agricultural activity. Taking into account the rains, it is important to remember that although they help clean the panels of dust, They are not sufficient to properly remove more adhered residues. such as bird droppings or pollen. In these cases, manual cleaning is recommended. Ideally, solar panels should be cleaned twice a year: once after the leaves fall in autumn and once in summer, just after the pollen season.
What materials do we need to clean solar panels?
When cleaning solar panels, it is important to choose the right materials. Abrasive materials, such as hard brushes or strong chemicals, can scratch or damage the glass that protects the photovoltaic cells. In addition, High pressure water should also be avoided, as it can damage the panels or affect their electrical connections. These are the materials you can use:
- Warm water: If possible, use deionized water or rainwater to avoid leaving mineral residue that can stick to the glass.
- Mild soap or neutral detergent: Do not use aggressive cleaners. Mild or neutral soap is sufficient to remove dirt without damaging the panel.
- Soft sponge or microfiber cloth: With these you can gently clean without scratching the surface of the panel.
- Low pressure hose: In some cases, rinsing the panels with a low-pressure hose may be sufficient to remove accumulated dust and light dirt.
- Telescopic pole or handle: They are useful for reaching the most complicated areas of the installation without having to climb a ladder or roof.
Other items you may want to consider, especially in very large facilities, are cleaning robots or automatic sprinkler systems. For residential installations, these systems are not necessary, as manual cleaning can be easily done.
How to clean solar panels step by step
Below we explain how to clean solar panels properly so that they function optimally without affecting their integrity:
- Disconnect the installation (if possible): Although solar panels are not dangerous to touch, it is a good idea to unplug the installation to avoid any electrical risks when cleaning. This is especially important if the installation is large and feeds a large inverter.
- Review the panels: Perform a visual inspection before you begin. Look for possible damage and accumulated dirt.
- Initial rinse: Use a hose or bucket of water to remove dust or light dirt.
- Apply the soap or detergent: Use a sponge or soft brush to scrub dirty areas with a solution of water and neutral soap.
- Rinse the panels: Make sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Dry the panels: If you prefer, you can let them air dry, but it is best to use a squeegee to avoid water spots.
It is important to avoid hot days for cleaning, because the water will evaporate faster, leaving mineral residues on the surface. The best time to perform this maintenance is when the sun is low, such as early in the morning or at dusk.
How often should solar panels be cleaned?
The frequency of cleaning solar panels depends on several factors, but in general It is recommended to clean them twice a yearHowever, if you live in an area with a lot of dust, pollen, or industrial activity, it may be necessary to clean your panels more frequently. Use your facility's monitoring to find out if your panels need cleaning. If you notice a drop in performance, such as a 5% to 10% reduction in energy efficiency, it may be a sign that your panels are dirty and need to be cleaned. Some studies show that dust and debris buildup can reduce panel output by more than 20% in just a few months. Regularly monitoring your system's performance is key to knowing when it's the right time to clean.
What else to consider when cleaning?
In addition to cleaning the solar panels, you should take the opportunity to check the condition of the rest of the installation: connections, wiring and possible physical damage to the structure of the panels. In the long term, good preventive maintenance This will prevent small problems from becoming major repairs. It is also important to make sure that there are no shadows that could impede the proper functioning of the panels, such as tree branches or other structures that may have grown or shifted without you noticing. If you live in an area with very cold climates, you should check that snow or ice has not accumulated on the panels during the winter months. The inclination of the panels usually allows the snow to slide off, but in extreme conditions it may require your intervention.
How to increase the lifespan of solar panels
Proper maintenance of solar panels not only increases their efficiency, but also their longevity. Solar panels typically have a lifespan of between 25 and 30 years, but with proper care, they can continue to operate at acceptable efficiency levels even beyond that period.
The following factors can influence the lifespan of the panels:
- Proper care: Regular cleaning and maintenance helps prevent damage and prolongs the life of the panels.
- Location and inclination: Installing the panels in a location where they receive sufficient sunlight and are well positioned to avoid shadows is key.
- Periodic reviews: Periodically inspect the installation to detect minor problems before they can become major failures.
- Inverter Maintenance: Don't forget to maintain the inverters and cables, as they are essential for the system to function properly.
Cleaning is only one part of solar panel maintenance, but if done correctly, it is possible to preserve the efficiency of the installation for many years. In short, cleaning solar panels regularly not only increases the efficiency of your self-consumption system, but also prolongs its useful life, resulting in greater economic savings in the long term.