Airborne dust particles, sticky tree and plant sap, lichen, soot and bird droppings are just a few of the things that can contribute to a build-up of dirt on your solar panels.
Accumulation creates shading on the solar panels and will prevent sunlight reaching the cells or tubes. This results in poor system performance, loss of efficiency and a loss of financial return for the owner and investor of solar energy.
Dirty solar panels :
Regular solar panel cleaning :
In a word "NO"! When a solar panel is called self cleaning, it tends to mean that the surface is hydrophobic; meaning water droplets cannot stick to the surface. In essence, these surfaces aren’t exactly self-cleaning and maintenance free. They do reduce mineral residue that can block the sun reaching the cells, however, in a dusty environment a single solar cell within the panel can become inefficient and this will affect the performance of the rest of the cells within the panel. As they are wired in series, if one cell is shaded, then the output of the entire panel is lower as a result.
Rain alone is not enough to ensure solar panels remain free from a build-up of dirt throughout one year, let alone a lifetime. We are often called out to panles that have not been cleaned for over a decade and it can take several cleans to bring them back to condition.
Manufacturers state that dirty solar panels will result in a loss of output and may also affect your warranty.
Trina Solar, one of the worlds leading manufacturers of solar panels, include the following in a maintenance and care manual... " The amount of electricity generated by a solar module is proportional to the amount of light falling on it. A module with shaded cells will produce less energy and therefore it is important to keep the module clean."
Panasonic, Renowned global corporation and manufacturers of solar photovoltaic equipment advise in their frequently asked questions, What maintenance is required for my solar panels? "Wash dust and dirt off your solar panels twice per year". Some of Panasonics limited warranty exclusions are; "Inadequate maintenance", "damage or corrosion resulting from environmental pollution such as soot and mold".
8.33 Solar, serving the European solar industry since 2006 say, " Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate on the glass surface of the module, reducing its power output. Solar 8.33 recommends periodic cleaning of PV modules to ensure maximum power output."
Canadian Solar, leading manufacturers in solar PV modules say, "Clean the panels if a significant amount of material builds up on the panels" They also recommend "water with a low mineral content and near neutral PH is best".
First Solar say " In locations with heavy soiling, properly timed module cleaning can improve energy yields." They also say "RO water provides the best results."
Solar panel cleaning is a specialist service tailored for you, cleaned by us.
First we gently rinse away any abrasive dust and then next use a range of soft long-reach brushes with medium pumped, but not high pressure washing (as this can damage the surface and get into cabling).
Finally we wipe off any excess for a streak free and clean finish.
This method is generally successful when the panels are cleaned often.
If you have not had your panels cleaned in a long while (or ever!), and/or you live in an area with a high amout of sticky road dirt, sap, dust or pollen such as next to a field or certain trees, then a standard wash is sometime not enough and your Panles may need a pre-clean.
In these cases we may recommend a fungacidal wash pre-clean treatment to kill and help loosed moss, lichen and algae. This involved treating the panels and leaving over night, and cleaning again the next day. Until the Panles have had a standard clean, it is often difficult to know in advance just by looking whether a deep clean will be required.
We use straight forward water and only natural organic cleaning fluids. No harsh, abrasive, acidic or non-biodegradable chemicals are used.
Where possible we do not walk on roofs or climb over gutters. This minimises the possibility of any damage. Instead we use a tall step-ladder and long reach brush to reach up to three storey installations with light-weight, long-reach poles.
We recommend at least twice a year, for example in the Spring and Autumn, in anticipation of when the panels will be the most productive and when they are dustiest.
If you live in a coastal location then sand can be more of a problem in winter. And if you live near a busy road the dust from grit can also be a problem in the Winter.
Simply Contact Us directly, or fill in our no obligation Quote Form any-time, and we will get back to you.
We offer One Off cleaning along with regular Yearly, Twice-Yearly, Quarterly or Monthly scheduled Plans.
After you have received your quote just get in touch to arrange and we will scheulde - normally within a 2 week window when in your area.
If you like you can sign up for one of our hastle-free regular Yearly, Twice-Yearly, Quarterly or Monthly scheduled Plans.
We can provide a timslot for the work to be carried out and confirm the exact date at least 1 week before the work is carried out.
See more here: Maintenance Plans
